Bareka Community Launches Second Conference to Combat Deadly Diseases Through Health Education

By Jenifer James

The Bareka community of Lainya County has launched its second community conference in Juba, focusing on health education, disease prevention, and early detection as key strategies to combat dangerous illnesses and reduce preventable deaths in South Sudan.

Held under the theme “Knowledge and Skills Break Mountains,” the conference aims to equip community members with vital health information and promote awareness of disease prevention and detection.

Speaking to the press during the launch on Friday, David John, a member of the Board of Directors of the South Sudan Media Authority, stated that the conference would educate community members on how to prevent and detect dangerous diseases.

“This conference is going to educate us on prevention mechanisms, how to detect and prevent these diseases that are very dangerous to human beings,” John said.

He commended the Bareka community for organizing the conference, describing it as an important initiative that could inspire other communities across South Sudan to prioritize health education.

John noted that a lack of public awareness and education about diseases contributes to preventable deaths, stressing the importance of providing communities with accurate health information.

“Today many people are dying early, but it is because of no education that has been given to us,” he said.

He welcomed the participation of doctors and professors at the conference, saying their expertise would help improve public understanding of disease prevention and early detection.

John also urged communities in Central Equatoria State and across the country to learn from Bareka’s initiative and organize similar educational activities to promote public health awareness.

Meanwhile, Bareka community chairperson Yugu Lumayet said the conference aimed to build a knowledgeable, enlightened, and resilient community capable of addressing its challenges.

“The goal for this conference is a knowledgeable, enlightened, and resilient community,” Lumayet said.

He emphasized the importance of knowledge and skills in strengthening communities and enabling people to overcome social challenges.

Lumayet also expressed appreciation to the country’s leadership for supporting security and providing a venue for the gathering. He said peace and security were essential for community activities of this kind to take place.

The conference brings together community members and health professionals to share knowledge and promote awareness of disease prevention and early detection, with the broader aim of strengthening community health education.