Health Care Law at South Sudan
South Sudan's Health Care Remains ... South Sudan's healthcare system is governed by a series of national policies and strategic plans aimed at improving public health, expanding access to services, and transitioning from emergency aid to sustainable healthcare delivery. Here's an overview of the key healthcare laws and frameworks: (Cabinet approves health sector strategic plan 2023-2027 - South Sudan)
🏛️ Legal and Policy Framework
National Health Policy 2016–2026
This policy recognizes health as a fundamental human right and outlines three main strategic objectives:
Strengthen health service organization and infrastructure development.
Enhance leadership and management of the health system.
Foster partnerships for healthcare delivery and health systems development. (Health Policy 2016-2025. | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
The policy emphasizes principles such as primary healthcare, decentralization, community participation, and inter-sectoral collaboration to address determinants of health like nutrition, education, and sanitation. (Health Policy 2016-2025. | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) 2023–2027
Approved by the Cabinet in July 2023, this five-year plan builds upon the National Health Policy and focuses on:
Digitization of health services.
Transitioning from humanitarian aid to sustainable funding sources.
Achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Strengthening leadership and management within the health system.
Enhancing partnerships between the Ministry of Health and other organizations. (Cabinet approves health sector strategic plan 2023-2027 - South Sudan)
🏥 Institutional Oversight
Ministry of Health (MoH)
The MoH is responsible for developing national policies, plans, and budgets for the health sector. It leads the coordination of health services and oversees the implementation of health programs across the country. The Ministry also focuses on transitioning health programming from a humanitarian to a developmental approach. (Health policy and planning)
National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2020–2024
This plan aims to strengthen national capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks and health emergencies. It includes objectives such as establishing a robust health emergency risk assessment system, enhancing collaboration through a One Health approach, and developing an effective monitoring and evaluation system for health security. (South Sudan National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2020-2024. | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
⚖️ Legal Reforms and Emerging Issues
Mental Health and Disability Rights
South Sudan is working towards modernizing its mental health legislation to replace outdated laws and ensure better access to services and protection of patients' rights. The draft Mental Health Bill is currently under review before presentation to Parliament.
Malaria Control Efforts
Malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in South Sudan. In 2024, the country received over 645,000 doses of the R21 malaria vaccine from the WHO. This vaccine, more than 75% effective, is being distributed in counties with the highest malaria burden, alongside other preventive measures like insecticide-treated bed nets. (South Sudan receives its first batch of a new vaccine for malaria from the WHO)
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