As part of continued efforts to improve access to health services and the quality of health care in South Sudan WHO supported the Ministry of Health (MoH) to host a national patient safety and quality consultative meeting over two days. This was the first of its kind in the Republic of South Sudan.

The meeting, held from 23 to 24 September, brought together about 60 participants that encompassed community nurses and hospital directors among other health professionals from all 10 states. The aim was to build a common understanding of quality and safety issues for application in the evolving health system in South Sudan.

It also sought to provide guidance for the development of national patient safety policy and strategic plans, while defining the key ingredients of the present national plan and strategy for patient safety. The consultations also defined the next steps in the finalisation of individual state plans for patient safety.

Addressing participants during the official opening of the meeting, WHO Representative for South Sudan, Dr Abdi Aden Mohamed emphasized the importance of patient safety and quality of care as essential elements of health systems strengthening and health service delivery.

“Quality of service is important for attaining Universal Health Coverage, while safety and quality of care are key components of health systems service delivery,” he said, adding that as the country’s health system develops, it is essential to ensure that patient safety is taken into cognisance.

Dr Abdi commended the broad range of participants as the combination of policy makers and implementers would result in practical outcomes that could be implemented at national and state level, and pledged that WHO’s continued support to improving health care in the country. WHO is providing funds and facilitators from its HQ in Geneva and Afro- Zimbabwe offices in order to support the consultative meeting, and on behalf of MoH and WHO declared the meeting open.

Speaking at the same occasion, the Director General of Wau Teaching Hospital (WTH), Dr Bakhit Mawein expressed appreciation for WHO support and noted that the consultative meeting provided an opportunity to establish effective health systems. 
Following the workshop, the states are expected to finalise their plans for patient safety and quality care.

1. WHO Representative, Dr. Abdi Aden Mohamed, being interviewed by the media immediately after officially opening the National Patient Safety and Quality Consultative meeting
2. Dr. Abdi Aden Mohamed, WHO Representative for South Sudan addressing participants at the official opening of the National Patient Safety and Quality Consultative meeting
3. WHO Representative for South Sudan Dr. Abdi Aden Mohamed, flanked by the Directors General of Wau Teaching Hospital (right) and Eastern Equatoria State (left)
4. Some of the participants who attended the National Patient Safety and Quality of care Consultative meeting

Photo credits: WHO/M.Moyo.