The Ministry of Trade and Industry has expressed strong support for an initiative aimed at establishing affordable, locally based cancer treatment centers in South Sudan.
The followed a consultative meeting held today between the Minister, Atong Kuol Manyang, and representatives of the South Sudan Cancer Association Network (SSCAN) and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Minister on the urgent need to strengthen domestic healthcare infrastructure, noting that many South Sudanese cancer patients are currently forced to seek treatment abroad at extremely high costs.
They highlighted that the absence of specialized cancer facilities within the country continues to place a heavy financial and emotional burden on families.
The group announced plans to establish specialized cancer treatment centers to provide accessible and affordable care, with a formal public launch scheduled for February 4, 2026, to coincide with World Cancer Day.
The initiative will be led by the Ministry of Health, with support from other government institutions and civil society partners.
Commending the initiative, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang described cancer as a “cross-cutting concern” that affects all citizens, particularly through food consumption habits, public health standards, and lifestyle patterns.
She emphasized the critical role of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) in cancer prevention, noting that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is intensifying efforts to ensure that imported and locally traded goods meet strict safety requirements.
The Minister outlined key actions being undertaken by the Ministry, including enforcing food safety standards, regulating and testing products for harmful chemical additives, and monitoring the quality of goods to prevent health risks linked to substandard products.
She reaffirmed that safe trade practices are essential to protecting public health.
Atong Kuol Manyang pledged the Ministry’s continued advocacy for the cancer treatment initiative, stating that it would also engage international partners to mobilize funding and technical support.
“The country is ours, and our health is our collective responsibility,” she said, calling on all stakeholders to support the project.
Speaking after the meeting, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, described the engagement as positive and timely.
He said CEPO is partnering with SSCAN a network of South Sudanese medical professionals specialized in cancer care to jointly address what he described as one of the most costly and deadly diseases affecting the population.
Yakani noted that the South Sudan Cancer Network was formed to provide both affordable treatment and humanitarian assistance, including free services for vulnerable patients.
He appealed to diplomatic missions, donor communities, global health actors, the business community, and government leaders to rally behind the initiative and support the establishment of a future South Sudan Cancer Center.
He further announced that February 4, 2026, will mark the first national commemoration of World Cancer Day in Juba, alongside the official public launch of the South Sudan Cancer Network.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that trade regulation, food safety, and standards enforcement contribute to the overall well-being of the population, while supporting multi-sectoral efforts to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment within South Sudan.
