Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
05 May 2025 | 17:00 CAT

MSF medical staff examine patients at the inpatient therapeutic feeding centre supported by MSF at the Renk Civil Hospital, Upper Nile state.

A fragile health system, recurring outbreaks, and inadequate infrastructure continue to undermine the fight against malaria in South Sudan. Medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling for urgent international intervention as the country remains plagued by preventable diseases.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, MSF Project Medical Referent Nishith Kumar described malaria as “one of the biggest killers in the world,” with most deaths concentrated in Africa. “In South Sudan, it remains the leading cause of illness and death,” Kumar said.

While significant progress has been made with vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 and the newly introduced R21, Kumar cautioned that access remains uneven. “Preparedness ensures that vaccination campaigns are timely, adequately resourced, and reach high-risk populations,” he explained, highlighting the age group of 5 to 24 months as particularly vulnerable.

In July 2024, the R21 malaria vaccine was piloted in high-burden regions such as Twic County, where MSF worked alongside the Ministry of Health to ensure roll-out. “This is expected to significantly bolster malaria prevention efforts,” Kumar noted.

But the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. “Access to healthcare remains severely limited due to ongoing conflict, displacement, destruction of healthcare infrastructure, and shortages of trained personnel,” he said. During the rainy season, poor roads further disrupt the supply chain, compounding an already dire situation.

Geographic isolation, insecurity, and socio-cultural mistrust add to the difficulty. “Many communities remain underserved, and preventable illnesses go untreated,” Kumar warned.

MSF has issued a resounding call for action, urging governments, humanitarian actors, and international stakeholders to bolster South Sudan’s ailing health system. Their recommendations include increased investment in vaccination programs, improved access to essential care, and rebuilding medical infrastructure in conflict-ridden areas.

“Flooding, which increases mosquito breeding, makes the situation worse,” said Kumar. He emphasized the need for sustained peace efforts and emergency preparedness to curb outbreaks and ultimately save lives.

With malaria still a leading killer, the time for decisive action is now.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Nishith Kumar here.