South Sudan News

Juba, 20 June 2016 - On 18 June 2016, residents of the Naivasha Residential Compound (the security approved compound for UN international staff) conducted emergency drill exercises to test plans and promote awareness of staff roles and responsibilities during an incident scenario. The simulation was held at the Naivasha Residential Compound.

The simulation consisted of a “scheduled exercise” held on the morning of June 18, 2016, to bring together the internationally recruited staff from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and WFP.

The objective of the exercise was:

Juba, 09 July 2016 -- WHO delivers medical supplies to Juba Teaching Hospital and Juba Protection of Civilian (POC) in response to armed clashes that erupted between South Sudan rival forces loyal to President Salva Kirr and those loyal to the first Vice president, Riek Machar in Juba yesterday. WHO is leading the response to provide emergency health access to victims of the clashes. Health cluster partners have been coordinated, mobilized and provided support with critical pharmaceuticals to sustain the response in the Juba PoC, Juba Teaching Hospital.

Juba, 14 July 2016 - In response to the growing humanitarian crisis that has caused deaths, high numbers of civilian injuries in Juba City and the displacement of thousands of residents fleeing from the conflict, WHO has donated to Juba Teaching Hospital accident and emergency unit trauma kits sufficient to conduct 500 surgeries and various intravenous infusions to save the lives of the increasing number of injured patients. In addition, WHO has provided 100 body bags and personal protective equipment (PPE) for dead body management.

Nairobi, 18 July 2016 – As the impact of the recent fighting in South Sudan continues, more families are being driven out of their homes in search of safety every day. Over 100 000 people have been displaced since a new round of intense fighting erupted in late June 2016 in South Sudan. The latest fighting has affected even the Equatoria regions further south of Juba, a hitherto peaceful part of the country.

Juba, 25 July 2016 - In a move to prevent a cholera outbreak from spreading, the Ministry of Health of South Sudan with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and health partners are ramping up disease surveillance and treatment efforts. Across the country, 271 cholera cases have been reported, including 14 deaths since 12 July 2016.

Juba, 29 August 2016 - Two unidentified gunmen killed Mr Benty Rubben Mangbondo, a World Health Organization (WHO) health worker, in Yambio, South Sudan on 17 August.

The attack took place on Wednesday, 17 August 2016, at around 21:00, at Mr Mangbondo’s home in Tindoka residential area, Yambio. The motive behind the incident is unknown but police confirmed they are investigating the case. 

Infectious diseases continue to pose a major public health threat in South Sudan. Adding to the chronic burden of disease, regular outbreaks further threaten people's health.

 In a conflict setting, WHO and partners are responding to multiple outbreaks including cholera, malaria, measles, suspected hemorrhagic fever, and kala-azar.

24 October 2016 - As part of the commemorations to mark the 71st anniversary of the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Sudan joined the UN family to provide an integrated health services to the community and organize blood donation campaign in Nyakuron Cultural Center, Juba on 24 October 2016.

Held under the local theme “UN for the people of South Sudan”, the event shed light on the UN’s achievements at the humanitarian level and raises awareness of the efforts of UN family in South Sudan. 

Juba, 24 October 2016: To mark the World Polio Day, which also coincided with United Nations day, the WHO Country Office in South Sudan and the Ministry of Health organized a one day campaign to immunize children against the vaccine preventable disease. Polio eradication in South Sudan is a national emergency and has been a priority for WHO and partners.

9 November 2016, Juba, South Sudan - The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Riek Gai Kok, the Undersecretary, Dr Makur Matur Kariom; and all the Directors General of the Ministry of Health paid a professional courtesy visit to the World Health Organization Country Office (WHO CO) in Juba South Sudan. This is the first ever visit by the Minister to the WHO CO.