Pledges continued support to the Ministry of Health and the people of South of Sudan

Juba, 23 October 2015 - On 22nd October 2015, the newly appointed WHO Representative (WR) to South Sudan, Dr. Abdulmumini Usman presented letter of credence in the capacity as the World Health Organization Representative to South Sudan.

The solemn ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the presence of Hon. Dr. Barnaba M. Benjamin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Riek Gai Kok, Minister of Health, Hon. Abdon Terkoc Matuel-Undersecretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director Generals from the Ministry of Health.

On the occasion, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, the Minister of Health introduced the new WR and provided a brief update on the health situation in the country. He cited out the challenges and prospects of the health status of the people of south Sudan. He quickly pointed out Maridi county fire incidence and WHO support and corporation under the leadership of the newly appointed WR “He has added value to the team, we enjoyed the cooperation and collaboration we received from WHO in responding to the Maridi’s fire disaster that helps save the lives of people says Dr. Riek Gai Kok”.

Dr. Usman, assured the ministers and senior officials of carrying out the task assigned and pledged WHO continued support to the Health sector. Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Usman said South Sudan needs WHO and WHO will support the country in line with the transformation agenda. WHO would continue to provide technical and financial support in line with its mandate as the secretariat to health. “We have reactivated the H4+ partners committee which constitutes all UN agencies working in health to support the government and developed concrete proposals to integrate all vertical programs within WHO to provide coherence support to the Ministry of Health”.

In response, Hon. Dr. Barnaba M. Benjamin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Dr. Usman; the renewed commitment and promised to cooperate and support WHO through the Ministry of Health to achieve its vision and strategy. “Our doors are opened to work and support health initiatives” said Dr. Barnaba. He acknowledged with gratitude WHO support to South Sudan and plans to help the country achieve the sustainable development goals.

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Media contact:
Dr. Moses Ongom- +211-956283515; ongomm [at] who.int 
Morris Gargar- +211-955560427; gargarm [at] who.int