The government of South Sudan has initiated a national population-based cancer registry to bolster disease surveillance, enhance healthcare planning, and support effective prevention and treatment strategies. This effort, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), was officially launched at Juba Teaching Hospital. The registry aims to systematically collect, analyze, and report cancer data nationwide.
The launch of the national cancer registry marks a significant milestone in South Sudan's healthcare sector. The registry will provide critical information on cancer cases, trends, distribution, and patient outcomes. According to Dak Duop Bichok, caretaker minister of health, the data collected will guide policy decisions, improve resource allocation, and strengthen cancer prevention and control programs. This initiative is expected to transform the country's approach to understanding and addressing the cancer burden.
Over the past five years, South Sudan has recorded an estimated 8,124 new cancer cases and 5,128 cancer-related deaths, with 11,645 people living with cancer. The establishment of the registry will enable the country to generate its own reliable cancer data, reducing reliance on information from other countries. Duop emphasized that the registry is a crucial step toward making informed decisions regarding prevention and treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) representative in South Sudan, Mutale Nsakashalo Senkwe, hailed the registry as a major milestone in strengthening the country's cancer prevention and control efforts. Senkwe expressed WHO's commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health through technical assistance, capacity building, and strengthened cancer surveillance as part of broader efforts to address non-communicable diseases.
The success of the registry will rely on strong collaboration among health facilities, laboratories, health workers, and partners nationwide. Senkwe emphasized that the registry will lay the groundwork for improved cancer surveillance, stronger health systems, and better health outcomes for the people of South Sudan. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Dr. Steven Francis, representative of the South Sudan Cancer Network, pledged to promote cancer awareness and advocacy to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts. Francis encouraged partnerships to demonstrate collective commitment to strengthening the cancer information system and improving cancer care in South Sudan. The registry is expected to play a critical role in enhancing cancer care and control in the country.
The national cancer registry is a significant step toward establishing a data-driven approach to understanding and addressing the cancer burden in South Sudan. With the support of international partners, the Ministry of Health aims to ensure the registry's success and sustainability. The registry will provide vital information for planning cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, palliative care, and other related programs.
Key points
- The registry will collect, analyze, and report cancer data nationwide to guide policy decisions and improve resource allocation.
- The initiative aims to strengthen cancer prevention and control programs, and improve health outcomes for the people of South Sudan.
- The registry will enable South Sudan to generate its own reliable cancer data, reducing reliance on information from other countries.
