Ministry of Health Concludes Retreat on Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP).

3rd November , 2023 , Juba, South Sudan - The Ministry of Health (MoH) has concluded a three-day health sector project retreat held at the Imperial Plaza Hotel in the capital Juba.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has concluded a three-day health sector project retreat held at the Imperial Plaza Hotel in the capital Juba.The retreat was attended by the senior management team of the Ministry of health, director generals representing the State Ministries of Health, heads and representatives of Health Professional bodies, and members of the Project Implementation Unit (PMU), under the able leadership of the Undersecretary of Health, Dr. Ader Macar Aciek.

The purpose of the retreat was to deliberate on the MOH's position regarding the current Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP). 

In his closing remarks, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Ader Macar Aciek commended the participants for the spirit of team work and commitment to review the HSTP and make inputs where necessary. Adding that the resolutions will be tabled for endorsement by the MoH senior management board and shared with the World Bank for further deliberation and consideration.

The communique from the MoH retreat emphasized the need for the HSTP to be fully aligned with the HSSP 2023-27, improved motivation and retention of health workers at all levels, as well as the promotion of ownership and sustainability of the HSTP through localization and involvement of national entities.

On their part, the participants called for effective engagement and dialogue with all partners and stakeholders to promote integration of service delivery. The communiqué of the retreat provides a clear roadmap for the MoH to move forward with the HSTP in a way that aligns with the country's health sector priorities and promotes ownership, sustainability, and integration of service delivery.  

The retreat was prompted by a desire to ensure that the HSTP is implemented in a way that is aligned with the needs of South Sudanese people and that maximizes its potential to transform the country's health sector. Participants discussed a range of issues, including the need for strong government ownership of the project, the importance of engaging with all stakeholders, and the need to address any inadequacies or discrepancies in the project documentation.

The retreat concluded with a set of resolutions that will guide the MoH's next steps on the HSTP. These resolutions will be shared with the World Bank and other stakeholders in the coming weeks.

The Ministry of health will publicly release the recommendations and communique for public, media and publications.