South Sudan formulizes One Health Multi Sectoral Coordination Mechanism to address public health threats

Honorable Dr Martin Elia Lomoro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs launched the first ever One Health Mechanism [Photo: WHO]

JUBA, South Sudan - To reduce the risk and mitigate the impact of the future emergence of zoonotic, vector-borne, and non-communicable diseases, South Sudan has operationalized and launched its One Health Multi-Sectoral Coordination Mechanism.

The first ever One Health Mechanism was launched in Juba by Dr. Martin Elia Lomoro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs alongside his counterparts from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment with the participation of other stakeholders.

The establishment of the One Health platform will foster multisectoral coordination and administrative and technical collaboration among animal, human and environmental health sectors to address potential zoonotic diseases and other health threats.

Dr. Lomoro said, “the establishment of the One Health platform will enhance the implementation of the South Sudan National Action Plan for Health Security”.

“The implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security through the One Health Multisectoral Coordination Mechanism will safeguard and ensure improved health for our people, our livestock, wildlife, and environment”, said Dr. Lomoro.

He further assured the administration of Salva Kiir is committed to improving the health of the people of South Sudan and led the signing of the declaration of commitment for One Health Multisectoral Coordination Mechanism in the Republic of South Sudan.

Dr. Fabian Ndenzako, WHO Representative -South Sudan said “The Multisectoral Coordination Mechanism is a critical step in our collective efforts that will help the effective and efficient use of resources to ensure that interventions are tailored to improve health outcomes across the country”.

With the generous contribution of the World Bank, the World Health Organization in partnership with the Food and Agricultural Organization and other partners is providing support to the establishment of the One Health Mechanism. WHO remains committed to working with all government ministries, development partners, donors, and other stakeholders to have the biggest impact on improving the health of the people, animals, and environment in the country

The South Sudan One Health Multi-Sectoral Coordination Mechanism will consolidate cooperation between the relevant government Ministries including the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and other line ministries, departments, and agencies to address the wide range of activities related to One Health concept, within the human-animal-environment interface.

The governing framework shall be led by a Steering committee, which is the highest governing body chaired by the Office of the Minister for Cabinet Affairs.

A management secretariat will be coordinated by the Ministry of Health and a technical committee will support the implementation of the National Action Plan for Health Security through thematic technical working groups reflective of national and subnational levels.

GAROWE ONLINE