Ministry of Health wins fight against Trachoma in Renk County
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health has launched a series of programs including the National Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Master Plan 2023–2027, which will help in the rigorous campaign
By Binia Elizabeth
The Ministry of Health has declared significant success in the fight against trachoma, saying Renk County no longer requires mass drug administration.
The ministry said it’s now launching a fresh campaign against the disease in Malakal.
During his visit to Upper Nile last week, Dr. Aniin Ngot Ngot, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness.
“This is a huge achievement,” Dr. Ngot said while declaring Renk County free from mass drug administration.
“I congratulate the State Government, Renk County Health Department, partners, and community drug distributors for their role in reaching this milestone.”
During the visit, the Ministry also launched the National Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Master Plan 2023–2027, which will guide interventions across the country.
Dr. Ngot urged counties to take ownership of the plan, saying, “Every health worker and every household must understand the roadmap we are following.”
He also inaugurated a Training of Trainers program in Malakal to prepare health workers for the new MDA round.
The campaign will target thousands of residents, combining antibiotics distribution with community mobilization under the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement).
He appealed to teachers, parents, elders, and local leaders to encourage full participation in the campaign to ensure maximum coverage.
Amref Health Africa, one of the government’s closest partners, pledged continued support for the elimination of NTDs.
“NTD elimination is serious work. It requires hard work, commitment, and collaboration from all of us,” said John Bebe, Amref’s Project Manager for NTDs.
He said that Amref operates in seven of South Sudan’s eight states, supporting training, service delivery, and community-based disease control.
“Any health partner that wants to succeed should work closely with the Ministry of Health. With strong cooperation, we can achieve the thresholds set by WHO.”
On his part, Yak Yak Bol, Director of Preventive Chemotherapy for NTDs at the Ministry, noted that while Renk has achieved the WHO threshold for elimination, many counties remain at different stages.
“Some counties need only one more round, others may require up to five,” Bol explained
He admitted that conflict and displacement remain barriers, but assured communities that interventions are being adapted to reach those in hard-to-access areas.
The Ministry extended gratitude to Amref Health Africa, WHO, UNICEF, Global Fund, CBM, and other partners for their ongoing technical and financial support.
Dr. Isaac Wango, Director General in the Upper Nile State Ministry of Health, welcomed the campaign, noting that Malakal was selected based on epidemiological data and resource priorities.
“The NTD program is crucial for this state. With strong partnerships, community participation, and improved WASH services, we can overcome these diseases and protect the health of our people,” he said
The launch of the Malakal campaign, alongside the elimination milestone in Renk, marks a significant step forward in South Sudan’s journey to end trachoma as a public health problem.
