Khartoum and Juba Reach Agreement to Enhance Health Coordination and Combat Cross-Border Epidemics

Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, held a meeting on Thursday with the Minister of Health of South Sudan, Dr. Luke Thompson Thawan, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance joint health cooperation between the two countries and coordinate efforts to address cross-border health challenges, particularly current epidemics, most notably Ebola, which has emerged in several African countries. Emphasis was placed on the necessity of information exchange and joint cross-border action.

The meeting addressed several issues of mutual interest, primarily strengthening coordination and cooperation in combating epidemics and cross-border diseases, and activating mechanisms for information exchange and early warning systems. This aims to contribute to reducing health risks facing both countries and the region as a whole.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continued joint coordination in light of current humanitarian and health challenges, particularly those related to population movement, displacement, and refugees, and the resulting increasing pressure on health systems. They also stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation to ensure the continued provision of essential health services.

The Sudanese Minister of Health emphasized the importance of strengthening the health partnership between Sudan and South Sudan, noting that “health knows no borders” and that coordination and information exchange are fundamental pillars for an effective response to health risks in the region.

The two ministers reiterated their commitment to continued coordination and consultation, and to developing mechanisms for health cooperation between the two countries in a way that serves the interests of both nations and enhances regional health security.