Remarks for the Celebration of World NTDS Day 30 January 2026 At Pyramid hotel in Juba

By James Lual Akech, Team Leader, Malaria & NTD Youth Champions South Sudan

Dear Hon Deputy Chairperson for SSAC, DG Madam Yar for Preventive health services, DG Dr Harriet for International Health coordination, distinguished leaders, colleagues, and partners,

On this World NTDs Day, we gather not only to raise awareness but to renew our commitment to ending the neglect of tropical diseases that continue to burden our communities.

South Sudan has made progress through donor-supported interventions, but the truth is clear: we cannot rely on external funding alone. Sustainable elimination of NTDs requires domestic investment our own resources, our own commitment, and our own leadership.

By allocating domestic funds into the NTD program, we achieve three critical goals:

1. Ownership: Our people see that their government prioritizes their health and dignity.

2. Sustainability: Programs continue even when donor cycles shift or external priorities change.

3. Integration: Domestic funding allows NTD interventions to be woven into broader health system strengthening, ensuring medicines, diagnostics, and education reach every corner of our nation.

As Youth Champions, we stand ready to support the Ministry in mobilizing communities, driving awareness, and ensuring accountability.

Honorable leaders, investing in NTDs is not just about fighting disease it is about unlocking human potential. Every child free from river blindness can learn better. Every family spared from lymphatic filariasis can work and thrive. Every community free from neglected diseases can contribute to national development.

We call upon the Ministry of Health to commit domestic funds into the NTD program, signaling to the world that South Sudan is serious about protecting its people and achieving the 2030 elimination goals.

Together, with government leadership, donor partnership, and youth energy, we can end the neglect and build a healthier, more resilient South Sudan.

Unite, Act for the elimination of NTDs

Thank you