By The City Review

The Ministry of Health in Unity State announced the temporary suspension of health programs and financial and operational activities in Panyinjiar County for administrative and security reasons. The decision is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the state’s Minister of Health, Jal Bok, said the decision followed a thorough review in light of what he described as shortcomings in administrative procedures and escalating security concerns that could affect the safe delivery of health services. He emphasized that protecting government employees and partners working in the health sector is a top priority for the ministry.

The minister called on all health partners and organizations operating in the county to comply with the suspension order and adjust their activities accordingly. He noted that the ministry is committed to resuming essential services as soon as the administrative and security issues are addressed in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Simon Gatdet, head of the Community Link for Action and Development and chairman of civil society organizations in the state, confirmed that organizations had received the suspension order. He expressed concern about the impact of the decision on the residents of Panyinjiar, stating that the move would negatively affect citizens’ right to healthcare.

Similarly, Lia Gatjiek, a resident of the county, said that the suspension of services would particularly affect the most vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and women. She called on the national Ministry of Health to intervene to ensure the continued provision of services regardless of the political or security situation in the region.

It is worth noting that South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution guarantees the right to health and obligates the state to promote public health and provide essential medical services. The country is also a party to international and regional agreements that recognize the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.