The South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission has confirmed a significant decline in HIV prevalence in Western Equatoria State, with rates falling from 7.8 to 6.8 percent.
During an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Dr. Esterina Novella, Chairperson of the South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission, explained that they are currently conducting a workshop in Western Equatoria focused on HIV and human rights.
“We are in Western Equatoria for this workshop, which is essential to address HIV and human rights here, as the state has had one of the highest HIV rates in the country,” she said.
She reported that Western Equatoria now has a prevalence rate of 6.8 percent, still the highest in the country, followed by Eastern Equatoria at 4 percent, Central Equatoria at 3.1 percent, and Lakes and Jonglei states. Despite this, she stressed that the downward trend is an important sign of progress.
“The rate has dropped from 7.8 to 6.8 percent, which is excellent news. This decline shows that positive changes are happening,” Dr. Novella stated. “Increased public awareness, education on HIV prevention, and expanded access to services have been key in driving this progress.”
“The Commission, together with the Ministry of Health, has worked hard to open more health facilities to ensure they are accessible to the people across this state because having facilities that are not accessible would be a waste of resources,” she added.
According to the official, they have prioritized the opening of health facilities in highly populated areas where the need is greatest.
“As a result, Western Equatoria now has more health facilities than any other state. This expansion of services has played a crucial role in reducing HIV prevalence,” Dr. Nevela stated. “It is not a one-man show. This is a collective effort, starting with our leaders. We must change our mindset toward HIV and work together.”
Meanwhile, Kenyi Henry Alex, Acting Chairperson of the HIV Commission in Western Equatoria, expressed gratitude for the workshop and Dr. Novella’s leadership.
“We are grateful to Dr. Novella for coming to Western Equatoria herself to conduct this workshop. It is vital for us, especially since the state has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the country,” he said. “This workshop will help us further lower these numbers. Western Equatoria has 10 counties, and we plan to hold workshops in all of them to ensure every community receives this vital information.”
For his part, Western Equatoria State Health Minister James Abdallah highlighted the importance of these initiatives, particularly for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“This workshop is a crucial step in supporting our citizens living with HIV/AIDS. It aligns with our mandate as the government of South Sudan and Western Equatoria to ensure a healthy and productive population,” he said. “Our responsibility is to raise awareness and provide information so that people living with HIV/AIDS can contribute to the state’s development.”
Hon. James Severino Morris, on behalf of the Western Equatoria government, acknowledged the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS but praised the local community’s openness.
“I thank our people for being open. Many of our citizens, especially the youth, are willing to get tested and know their HIV status,” he disclosed. “We need a healthy population to drive development, and we must continue spreading awareness about HIV and encourage responsible living.”
“We need the HIV Commission to support us in reaching the entire population, both in towns and remote areas, to ensure the message of HIV prevention reaches everyone,” Severino added.
This workshop represents a pivotal step in Western Equatoria’s fight against HIV, with the hope that these combined efforts will continue driving progress and further reduce HIV prevalence across the state.