South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
In a landmark initiative to bolster public health protection at South Sudan’s main air gateway, the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and several international partners, launched a Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccination campaign at Juba International Airport on Friday, June 13, 2025. This program, hosted at the airport’s Port Health Clinic, is designed to provide easy access to essential immunizations for both travelers and frontline staff.
To ensure efficacy of the vaccines, all doses are stored within a specialized cold chain system on-site, maintaining optimal temperatures from storage to administration. During administration, each vial is moved to the recipients using insulated ice-packed carriers, to maintain strict temperature standards and guarantee vaccines potency.
In response to recent cholera outbreaks in Juba County and Rubkona County in Unity State, the Cholera vaccine is being offered free of charge. This immunization requires two doses—an initial dose followed by a booster two weeks later. Upon completion of both doses, recipients receive a Cholera Card as official documentation.
The Yellow Fever vaccine was provided at no cost during the initial rollout period from June 13 to June 20. Thereafter, it is being offered at the standard international fee of USD 50. Travelers arriving without a valid Yellow Fever certificate can receive the vaccine on-site and will be issued an official Yellow Fever Card immediately.
“By launching these vaccinations at our Port Health Clinic, we are taking a proactive approach to national health security,” stated Juba International Airport Public Health Officer, Garang Dhieu. “This campaign not only helps us control cholera outbreaks, but it also changes the health narrative at Juba International Airport, reassuring every traveler of our commitment to their well-being.”
SSCAA’s PR and Communications Manager, Mr. David Loputu echoed the importance of the initiative: “Providing on-site vaccinations meets international health requirements and builds travelers’ confidence in our airport’s safety standards.”
This campaign is supported by a coalition of key stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO) – Republic of South Sudan, UNICEF South Sudan, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) – South Sudan, Health Cluster South Sudan, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UKAID), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) South Sudan, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), and the World Bank. Together, these organizations are working to prevent the spread of infectious diseases at this vital point of entry.
The launch ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries among them:
- Hon. Sarah Cleto, Minister of Health
- Hon. Dr. Aniin Ngot Ngot, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Health
- Capt. Dau Majak, General Manager, Juba International Airport
- Dr. Leiden de Chong, Former Director General of Preventive Health Services
- Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative
- Dr. Joyce Mhaya, UNICEF Chief of Health
By integrating vaccination services into daily airport operations, the SSCAA demonstrates its ongoing commitment to a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation sector. This initiative aligns with the International Health Regulations (IHR) and reinforces efforts to protect both citizens and international travelers alike.
