South Sudan NTD Master Plan 2023 - 2027 - EN

The Government of the Republic of South Sudan is committed to the optimal health and wellbeing of the South Sudanese people. This Master Plan is in line with the Health Policy and Health Sector Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and provides a framework for the development of Annual Operational Plans of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in an integrated manner to maximize on benefits. It was developed as a collaboration between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) with the support of World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. 

In South Sudan, 19 NTDs are endemic; Trachoma, Onchocerciasis (River blindness), Lymphatic filariasis (Elephantiasis), Soil-Transmitted Helminths (Intestinal worms), Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm), Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness), Leprosy (Hansen Disease), Leishmaniasis(Kala-azar), Loiasis (African eye worm), Buruli Ulcer, Mycetoma, Dengue, Echinococcosis, Snakebite envenoming, Rabies, Scabies, Yaws and Tungiasis (Jiggers). All these neglected diseases are an obstacle to socio-economic development and quality of life of the South Sudanese people. 

The MOH is leading its implementation through the Directorate of Preventive Health Services. The goal is to make South Sudan free from NTDs by 2030 through the implementation of WHO Roadmap for NTDs 2030. These interventions include preventive chemotherapy, case management, vector control and disease surveillance, improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices. Therefore, the masterplan provides a framework for multi-sectoral collaboration, and increased local leadership engagement and ownership.