28 February 2012 – The Health Sector Development Plan (2012–2016) for South Sudan has been launched at a ceremony in Juba. The Plan reflects the political commitment of the Government of South Sudan to streamlining and transforming the current poorly structured and poorly functioning health system and improve the quality of health service delivery. The launch ceremony was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and attended by government officials, donor agancies, United Nations agencies and international nongovernmental organzations.
During the launch, Dr Michael Milly Hussein, Minister of Health, acknowledged the support of partners and donor agencies for the development of the Health Sector Development Plan in a highly participatory and consultative process. He highlighted the importance of the Plan, as a working tool and reference document for the health sector for the next five years.
Dr Abdi, WHO Representative, speaking on behalf of United Nations agencies in South Sudan, pledged continuous support and collaboration for implementation of the Plan. The Plan will guide all actions and interventions in the health sector over the next five years. WHO will:
support its dissemination and advocate for its implementation by all stakeholders
urge all stakeholders to align their programmes and interventions with the Plan
support the process of operationalizing the Plan through the development of operational plans at all levels
participate in processes for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Plan through supporting regular performance reviews including the annual health sector performance review, national health assemblies and any other fora that will hold dialogue on tracking the Plan's implementation
join the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in their commitment to the implementation of the Plan and organize regular dialogue to track health sector performance as a means of fostering transparency and accountability in the health sector during the period of the Plan.
Dr Abdi also noted that a number of key policy documents that have been supported in their development by WHO are nearing finalization. This includes the health financing plan, the operational plan of the Health Sector Develpment Plan, the basic package of health services, and mental health and environmental health policies.
