By Matik Kueth
The Vice President for Service Cluster, Josephine Lagu, on Wednesday, officiated the launch of the South Sudan Cancer Network, a national initiative aimed at strengthening cancer care, raising awareness, and supporting patients and families across the country. The launch coincided with World Cancer Day, a global event that draws attention to cancer’s increasing global impact.
The Vice President hails the initiative as a key step in tackling the country’s rising cancer rates.
“This initiative reflects local leadership and the shared determination to respond effectively to the growing cancer burden,” Lagu said.
She reiterates the government’s commitment to improving cancer care nationwide.
“The government under the leadership of His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Ministry of Health, and myself, recognize the need to strengthen national cancer systems and services as part of our broader health system development,” Lagu said.
She added, “We remain committed to working with professional networks such as the South Sudan Cancer Network and other partners to improve prevention, expand diagnosis, enhance access to treatment and ensure compassionate care for our people who are suffering from or affected by cancer.”
Sarah Cleto, the national Minister of Health calls on partners and communities to join the fight against cancer.
“I call upon our partners, the NGOs, the community leaders, the business sectors and everyone to join us in this mission. Together we can strengthen our response to cancer and improve outcomes for all. Let us continue to raise awareness, support those affected, and work hand in hand with international partners for a healthier future,” she stressed.
Emmanuel Adil Anthony, Governor of Central Equatoria State, stresses the need to construct cancer centers in the country.
“We should have a cancer center in our country. And I think this is a decision. I met the leaders of the South Sudan Cancer Network. No family disparity between individuals and individual families. We need to be at the family level. And therefore, I told them that we have two places. One in southern Nuba, which will be a platform for cancer centers. And I told them we have a similar idea. Whichever way you choose, it is not far away from you,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Dr. Albino Amum, SSCN, appeals to the business and international community to support cancer services in South Sudan.
“South Sudan Cancer Network calls upon the business community, ambassadors, UN agencies, NGOs, and friends of South Sudan to support cancer services in terms of equipment, devices, infrastructure, and ecology,” he emphasized.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, underlined the importance of sending South Sudanese medical professionals abroad for cancer training and treatment expertise.
“I would like to challenge our country, from my own level as an organization, we are putting 1,000 U.S. dollars as a scholarship. And I wish that we’ll continue asking other ministers, other MPs, other leaders, governors, let’s put something around 30,000, and send one among these South Sudanese professionals to go for that profession, and come back and treat us. No more ticket for India, no more ticket for London, no more ticket,” he stated.
According to the WHO, Cancer is a growing public health challenge in South Sudan. Each year, about 6,000 people are diagnosed, and nearly 5,000 people die, an 80 percent mortality rate, mainly due to late diagnosis.
South Sudan remains one of the few countries in the world without a dedicated cancer center.
The launch of the South Sudan Cancer Network offers hope for thousands of patients and families across the country.