Political Will Needed for Health Goals, Says IGAD

(JUBA COUNTY) – The Minister of Health of South Sudan, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, met yesterday with a high level delegation from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), led by Dr Mohamed Elduma, Head of Health at IGAD, at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Juba.

The meeting focused on health financing strategies and efforts to improve healthcare systems within South Sudan and across the broader IGAD region. The IGAD team was accompanied by senior members of the A2DSRH Programme, which is one of IGAD’s ongoing initiatives aimed at addressing adolescent, maternal and reproductive health challenges.

During the engagement, the IGAD delegation briefed the Minister on current health programmes and outlined progress made through regional cooperation in strengthening healthcare services. Particular attention was given to how countries can work together to mobilise domestic resources in support of the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.

Hon. Sarah Cleto reaffirmed the Government of South Sudan’s commitment to improving the health sector and called on IGAD to ensure its programmes result in practical outcomes. She emphasised the need for strategies that lead to more resilient and sustainable healthcare systems that can meet the growing health needs of the population.

IGAD’s Dr Mohamed Elduma noted that while technical assistance and regional initiatives are essential, political leadership, national ownership, and collaboration between government sectors are vital to driving long lasting change. He reiterated IGAD’s dedication to strengthening national health systems across the region.

Both sides agreed that increased domestic financing is essential to reduce dependency on external donors and ensure continuity of services. IGAD and the South Sudanese Ministry of Health also discussed future steps to align national health goals with regional efforts in the Horn of Africa.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that political will and regional partnerships are key to advancing Universal Health Coverage.