On 25 April 2014, South Sudan joined millions of people around the world to observe World Malaria day under the global theme, ’Invest in the future: Defeat Malaria,’ and locally under the theme, ‘Together we can defeat Malaria’. 

The Minister of Health, Dr Riek Gai Kok, held a press conference with the media and key stakeholders to mark the event. The WHO Representative, Dr Abdi Mohammed attended the press conference. At the press conference were also other high level government representatives including the Under Secretary for the Ministry of Health, State Ministers of Health for Northern Bahr el Ghazel and Central Equatoria as well as the Mayor of Juba City. 

Malaria prevention and control is a major priority for the Ministry of Health of the Republic of South Sudan. In 2013, the country reported over 2 million cases of malaria and over 1,500 deaths mainly among children under 5 years old. Malaria accounts for six out of ten deaths in South Sudan and is the cause of hospitalization for 50% of bed occupants in all health facilities. 

In response to this high burden, South Sudan has recently developed a new malaria control strategy with the support of WHO. The Strategy aims to reduce malaria cases and deaths by 80% by 2020. The priorities in the strategy include the following: 

1. Distribute Insecticide Treated Bednets, to ensure that everyone sleeps under a net every night

2. All sick children with fever are tested for malaria and receive treatment of malaria within 24 hours at the health facility

3. Introduce Indoor Residual Spraying

4. Intermittent Presumptive Treatment of malaria in all pregnant women

5. Continuously educate communities on prevention and control of malaria

In his remarks, the Minister of Health emphasised the role of the media in promoting the use of bednets, and in the promotion of other malaria prevention and control interventions at community level. He said, ‘we need to brainstorm with the media on the best ways to disseminate these messages on the prevention and control of malaria’.  

He recognised the contribution of WHO South Sudan in prepositioning medicines and other supplies-including antimalarials- in areas which are expected to become inaccessible during the rainy season. The Minister encouraged the media to be vigilant and to report any misuse and sale of bednets and antimalarials, which are currently provided free of charge. 

Dr Abdi Mohammed, WHO representative said, ‘WHO pledges its commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health to implement its malaria strategic plan which if implemented properly, will result in the reduction of malaria deaths and illness by 80%’.  He also emphasised the commitment of the World Health Organization in malaria Prevention and control. 

The remarks by the State Ministers of Health for Northern Bahr el Ghazel and Central Equatoria and the Mayor of Juba City focused on the need to join hands in the ‘war against malaria’, advising that efforts should involve other ministries and authorities as malaria doesn’t discriminate, it affects everybody. In addition, they highlighted the economic cost of malaria, citing days spent away from school and work, death and disability of children as being areas which should compel everybody to ‘fight malaria’.

The country will officially launch its National Malaria Strategic Plan 30 April 2014 in Juba. The event is planned to be graced by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. General Salva Kiir.