JUBA – South Sudan’s Ministry of Health said on Monday it is implementing measures to eliminate four neglected tropical diseases impacting communities in the Upper Nile region.
Anin Ngot Ngot, Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Health, said the ministry is making tremendous strides in tackling neglected tropical diseases, including trachoma, elephantiasis, river blindness, and bilharzia.
“Our presence here in Malakal demonstrates the Ministry of Health’s commitment to working with the state government, local authorities, and communities in the fight against neglected tropical diseases,” Ngot made this statement during his visit to Malakal town in the Upper Nile region on Monday.
The visit highlights the government’s dedication to enhancing public health and alleviating the impact of preventable diseases.
“And particularly our collective determination to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem,” said Ngot.
Ngot said that Renk County has registered significant achievements, as shown in the recently conducted trachoma impact survey, which revealed that the county has reached the WHO threshold for the elimination of trachoma.
He also noted that eastern Upper Nile and western Upper Nile are affected by neglected tropical diseases, adding that health workers need to maintain commitment, discipline, and professionalism to eliminate these diseases.
“At the national level, the Ministry of Health has developed an NTD master plan for the years 2023 to 2027. This plan has provided a clear strategic framework for accelerating the elimination and control of all neglected tropical diseases,” he said.
For his part, Isaac Wango, the director general at the State Ministry of Health in Upper Nile State, stated that the state is affected by four neglected tropical diseases, including trachoma, elephantiasis, river blindness, and bilharzia.
“The state has been devastated by four neglected tropical diseases, such as lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and schistosomiasis. The NTD program is crucial for this state. If water is available, we can get rid of all these diseases. We need to pay attention to neglected tropical diseases,” he said.
