East Africa Health Summit Opens in Juba with Call for Collaboration

By Jenifer James

The Vice President for the Service Cluster, Josephine Lagu Yanga, officially opened the 10th East Africa Health and Scientific Conference in Juba on Wednesday, welcoming delegates from East African Community (EAC) member states.

The VP emphasised the importance of regional scientific collaboration to strengthen healthcare systems and foster innovation across the region.

In her opening remarks, VP Yanga expressed pride in South Sudan’s growing role in regional scientific and healthcare collaboration.

“We are immensely proud to host this conference for the first time since its launch in Uganda, Despite doubts, we have proven that South Sudan is ready to contribute to regional cooperation.”

Held under the theme “Addressing Health Priorities and Advancing the East African Health Agenda,” the three-day conference brings together over 300 participants, including scientists, researchers, policymakers, and development partners, to tackle pressing health challenges in the region.

Yanga acknowledged initial concerns regarding the country’s security and capacity to host such an event, but asserted that the successful organisation of the conference sends a strong signal.

“Your presence here symbolises unity and our shared goal of a healthier East Africa,” she said. “South Sudan is committed to regional integration, including harmonised health standards and the free movement of medical goods and services.”

She noted that the event aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions universal healthcare across the continent. Yanga also highlighted national efforts to strengthen South Sudan’s health system through workforce training and the development of digital infrastructure.

“However, many citizens still face high healthcare costs due to limited access,” Yanga added. “We are prioritising primary healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations, to ensure that quality care is a right, not a privilege.”

Meanwhile, the National Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial, emphasised the urgency of the conference given ongoing public health threats such as cholera and Ebola.

“A health landscape characterised by complex challenges, like ours, requires a unified front,” she stated. “We cannot handle a cholera epidemic without the water resources sector, nor can we manage malnutrition without the Ministries of Agriculture and Education.”

Rial stressed the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to address the root causes of diseases and improve public health outcomes. “This wide range of health issues and challenging epidemiology requires a holistic approach that extends beyond the health sector.”

The Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Beatrice Askul Moi, called on participants to ensure that research leads to real-world change.

“This conference is crucial for sharing solutions to infectious diseases, maternal health, and climate-related health risks,” Moi said. “We must collaborate across sectors such as water, agriculture, and education to enhance public health.”

She added, “This forum strengthens regional cooperation and helps translate knowledge into action.”

The 10th East African Health and Scientific Conference will run until June 27th. The conference, which will address health priorities and advance the East African region’s agenda to meet global health targets, will serve as a vital platform for stakeholders to collaborate towards a healthier future for all in East Africa.

The East African Health and Scientific Conference (EAHSC) is a biennial event convened in East Africa by the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) in collaboration with a host East African Community (EAC) Partner State. The hosting of the event rotates among the Partner States. At the Partner States level, it is coordinated through the ministries responsible for EAC affairs, health, and other relevant ministries.

The conference will feature research presentations across health, agriculture, environment, and education, with awards for outstanding contributions. Organisers hope the event will pave the way for stronger regional partnerships and practical steps toward improved health outcomes in East Africa.