IGAD Head of Mission and National IDDRSI Coordinator Meets with Health Minister to Discuss Enhanced Health Program Coordination

Juba | MoH, 1 July 2025 — IGAD Head of Mission and National IDDRSI Coordinator Meets with Health Minister to Discuss Enhanced Health Program Coordination

This afternoon, the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Republic of South Sudan, hosted a pivotal meeting with a delegation from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The delegation was led by H.E. Mr. David Kwaje, the IGAD Head of Mission and National IDDRSI Coordinator. The primary objective of the meeting was to deliberate on crucial aspects of health program coordination within South Sudan.

Discussions during the meeting centered on several key areas vital to the nation's health security. These included robust disease prevention strategies, effective cross-border health measures, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives aimed at training and empowering health service providers across the country.

Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, Minister of Health, expressed her profound appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the IGAD team. She underscored the significant importance of this meeting, viewing it as a foundational step towards gaining deeper insights into ongoing health programs. Minister Rial also conveyed her strong eagerness for future collaborative efforts that will benefit the people of South Sudan.

H.E. Mr. David Kwaje, in his remarks, emphasized the critical significance of the IGAD One Health Approach. This approach, he explained, is designed to strengthen cooperation and synergy among IGAD member states in addressing shared health challenges. He further stressed the paramount importance of timely information and data sharing to bolster preparedness for potential pandemics and to enhance preventive medicine efforts throughout the region. Additionally, Mr. Kwaje highlighted the pressing need for policy harmonization across member states, asserting that such alignment is crucial for effectively tackling health challenges and ensuring that communities across the region reap the full benefits of regional health projects.

This meeting marks a crucial step towards strengthening health coordination and collaboration between South Sudan and IGAD, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes for the nation.