South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has tasked the newly appointed Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, with the urgent responsibility of transforming the country’s struggling health sector. The directive was issued during her official swearing-in ceremony held in Juba.
According to a statement released by the Government of South Sudan, President Kiir emphasized the need for systemic change and improved service delivery, urging the minister to tackle the “key challenges confronting the health sector” head-on.
“Health is a foundational pillar for national development. The people of South Sudan deserve better healthcare, and it is your duty to deliver,” President Kiir reportedly told Minister Rial.
The appointment of Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial comes at a critical time for South Sudan, as the country faces persistent health crises, including shortages of essential medicines, limited access to healthcare in rural areas, and strained medical infrastructure in the wake of flooding, displacement, and conflict.
Minister Rial, a seasoned public health advocate and former governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, has pledged to prioritize equitable access to healthcare, expand frontline medical services, and strengthen partnerships with international and humanitarian agencies.
“I am deeply honored and aware of the enormous task ahead. I will work closely with stakeholders at all levels to ensure our health sector meets the needs of every South Sudanese,” she said during her inaugural remarks.
Observers have welcomed her appointment as a potential turning point, particularly given her experience in governance, health advocacy, and humanitarian work. However, experts warn that without a strong budgetary commitment and robust anti-corruption mechanisms, reforms could face significant hurdles.
The Ministry of Health is expected to unveil a 100-day action plan soon, outlining immediate interventions to address maternal mortality, disease outbreaks, health worker welfare, and healthcare infrastructure gaps.
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