South Sudan’s Ministry of Health launched a nationwide cleaning campaign Friday, urging all sectors of society to prioritize sanitation to prevent disease.
The campaign aims to set a public example that community health begins with a clean environment, said Kennedy Gaaniko Baime, undersecretary of the ministry.
“Health starts from the Ministry of Health,” Baime said during the launch. “We want to set an example as we start 2026 to focus on disease prevention.”
He said poor sanitation fuels the spread of preventable diseases like malaria and cholera, which are major health challenges in the country. Malaria is a leading cause of death in South Sudan.
“This campaign is about preventing such diseases by cleaning our houses and the environment in our communities,” Baime said.
He described the effort as a strategic action aligned with national policy and global commitments, including the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals on health and sanitation.
The campaign will be extended to hospitals and clinics across the country, including Juba Teaching Hospital, Malakal Hospital and Wau Hospital, Baime said.
Dr. Gift Bibson Natana, director general of Juba Teaching Hospital, said the facility has joined the campaign as part of its 2026 plans.
He acknowledged public complaints about poor sanitation at the hospital and said cleanliness is a top priority, second only to ensuring stable electricity.
Dr. Jetri Regwi, the World Health Organization’s officer in charge in South Sudan, commended the ministry’s initiative.
She said the campaign shows strong leadership at a time when the country is grappling with cholera outbreaks, and that clean environments are critical to protecting communities. The WHO reaffirmed its support for South Sudan’s public health efforts.