By Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Health, Republic of South Sudan
In moments of national reflection, it is often tempting to focus only on the obstacles we face.
And indeed, for South Sudan’s health sector, those obstacles have been immense: conflict and displacement, economic strain, recurrent floods and droughts, and the relentless pressures of humanitarian crises.
Yet when we look honestly and closely at our health system today, guided by evidence rather than conjecture, we see something far more powerful than hardship. We see progress – real, measurable, undeniable progress.
This week’s National Health Summit marks the official launch of the 2024/2025 Annual Health Sector Performance Report, a document that serves both as an accountability tool and as a testament to resilience.
It shows how far we have come in implementing our Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) 2023–2027, and it charts the path ahead toward our shared goal: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for every South Sudanese, no matter where they live or what they earn.
Progress Despite the OddsThe story emerging from this year’s report is not one of despair, but of determination.
Despite the pressures on our health system, essential services have not only continued; they have been strengthened.
We have seen improvements in community health through the Boma Health Initiative, which continues to connect households in the most remote villages to lifesaving care.
We have registered gains in emergency preparedness, allowing us to respond more rapidly and effectively to disease outbreaks.
We have also made important strides in disease control, with better malaria case management and increases in HIV viral suppression rates.
These achievements are not accidental. They are the result of tireless work by health professionals, stronger partnerships, and a growing culture of data-driven decision-making.
The Backbone: A Stronger Health Information System One of the most important messages this year is the centrality of DHIS2, our national health information system.
This platform is the backbone of evidence-based planning in South Sudan. It is the source of data that shapes our national position on health sector performance. We urge all partners to rely solely on DHIS2 for reporting.
When multiple systems operate in parallel, data becomes fragmented, and accountability suffers. When we unite behind one system, we build a stronger foundation for better health outcomes nationwide.
A Broader Evidence Base for Better Decisions Alongside the Annual Report, we are also launching two critical supplementary reports: Health Statistics Report (2024)Trends in Deaths by Cause in South Sudan (2019–2024)Together, these documents give us a deeper understanding of service delivery, health outcomes, and mortality patterns.
They help us see both the progress achieved and the challenges that persist, from continued high maternal mortality to emerging threats such as non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions.
Most importantly, they remind us that progress is possible – and that it is already happening.
Building on Momentum: Looking ahead, our focus is unwavering: Expanding access to primary health careImproving maternal and child health outcomesConfronting the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions Strengthening emergency preparedness: Investing in robust health information systems to anchor accountability and planningThese are transformative goals.
They require resources and innovation. But above all, they require partnership and a shared belief that every South Sudanese deserves a fair chance at health and well-being.
Recognizing those who sustain our health system Amid all the statistics and strategic plans, one truth stands above the rest: our greatest source of progress is our people.
Our doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, community health workers, and administrative staff – these are the women and men who carry the health system on their shoulders.
They work in remote facilities accessible only by boat or motorbike. They deliver babies by flashlight when the generator fails. They treat malaria in flooded communities, vaccinate children in conflict-affected areas, and remain on the front lines during every outbreak.
Their courage is quiet but profound. Their service is often unseen but always felt. Today, as Minister of Health, I want to say this clearly: South Sudan’s health workers are national heroes.
They are the heartbeat of our progress – the foundation upon which every statistic and every success stand.
In Service of Every South SudaneseAs we reflect on the findings of these reports, let us not merely catalogue achievements or challenges, but use this evidence to strengthen our resolve and deepen our collaboration.
Health is not a sector that stands alone; it is a pillar of peace, development, and nation-building.
A healthy population is a productive population. A healthy population is a hopeful population.The road ahead will not be easy.
But neither was the road behind us – and yet we moved forward. We made progress. We saved lives. We strengthened our system.As we close the National Health Summit, I call on all stakeholders – government, partners, civil society, and communities – to reaffirm their commitment to partnership and solidarity.
Let us reinforce what is working, innovate where we must, and never lose sight of the people we serve.
Together, we can overcome the challenges that remain. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient health system.
Together, we can realize the vision of a healthier, more prosperous South Sudan.
And together, we honor the extraordinary health workers who make this progress possible, every single day.
