AWEIL – South Sudan’s national health minister, Yolanda Awel Deng, has called on the public to prioritize testing in order to know their statuses.
Speaking at last week’s rally organized by Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol in Aweil, Awel encouraged citizens to utilize the existing health facilities across the country.
Her concerns follow the increasing cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“I urge you to go for tests as some of you, now knowing their status, just go and delve into love affairs. Kindly seek the tests and know your status,” she advised.
According to the minister, nearly all health centers across the country are equipped with testing equipment required for those intending to know their status.
Abdelbagi, who oversees the services cluster, echoed a similar call to the public.
“Never allow your children to have random night movement like going to nightclubs where they are likely to meet peers and easily get infected,” he said.
The Vice President said education is key if the country is to have a vibrant society.
“If we want to have a vibrant society, there is a need to seek education and be fearful as disease cases are on the rise due to the influx of returnees,” he stressed.
After decades of conflict, however, the vast majority of the South Sudanese population still lack access to essential health services, safe water and sanitation.