South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
South Sudan is preparing to host the 10th East African Health and Scientific Conference in its capital, Juba.
The high-level regional gathering will bring together health experts, scientists, and policymakers to discuss pressing public health issues, share research, and strengthen collaboration across East Africa.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, the national Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial, announced that the upcoming conference will be held under the theme “Addressing Health Priorities and Advancing the East African Region Health Agenda to Meet Global Health Targets.” It will take place from June 24th to 27th in the capital, Juba.
“This conference will bring together important delegates, keynote speakers, researchers, and health professionals from across the East African Community (EAC),” said Minister Rial.
“It is a platform for sharing scientific research, regional health concerns, and strategies to improve public health across our partner states.”
The biennial event, approved in 2006 by the EAC Council of Ministers, rotates among EAC member states. This will be the first time South Sudan hosts the regional gathering since joining the community.
Participants will include ministers of health and EAC affairs, senior dignitaries, academicians, students, and international experts. “We are proud to welcome over 300 delegates, including professionals from all eight EAC member states and invited global partners,” Rial added.
Rial emphasised the significance of the conference in tackling wide-ranging health challenges.
“We must address not just diseases, but also food security, access to safe water, zoonotic and airborne diseases, traffic injuries, and the regulation of food and drugs.”
Out of 218 research abstracts accepted for presentation, 78 were submitted by South Sudanese researchers. These findings will be compiled into a reference publication.
“This is encouraging for our country and shows that South Sudan is ready to contribute meaningfully to regional health dialogue,” said Rial.
In addition to paper presentations, the conference will feature symposia and panel discussions on pressing regional health issues, offering opportunities for interaction and knowledge exchange.
Young university students aspiring to enter the health profession are especially encouraged to attend. “They will be able to meet regional experts, share ideas, and find inspiration from role models in their field,” said Rial.
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Beny Gideon Mabor, underscored the strategic importance of the conference.
“This scientific conference is a flagship programme of the EAC. It brings together health professionals, policymakers, and scientists to assess existing health conditions in the region and propose evidence-based policy recommendations.”
He noted that while the event had been long in preparation, all logistical and technical groundwork is now complete.
“This 10th edition marks a milestone for South Sudan, and we are honoured to finally host this important event,” Mabor added.
