Minister Cleto Urges African Leaders to Invest in Health Systems
The minister spoke at the Africa Triple Elimination Conference 2025, which kicked off in Kampala, Uganda on Monday.
By Aguok Chok
Africa’s fragile health systems were thrust into the global spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing deep structural gaps in disease surveillance, medical infrastructure, and equitable access to healthcare. The pandemic served as a stark reminder that underfunded and fragmented health systems not only struggle to respond to emergencies, but also hinder progress in fighting preventable diseases.
Against this backdrop, South Sudan’s Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, has called on African leaders to urgently invest in health system strengthening and disease surveillance. Speaking at the Africa Triple Elimination Conference 2025 in Kampala, Uganda, Minister Cleto underscored the need for collaborative, people-centred approaches to achieve lasting health outcomes across the continent.
The conference, themed “Unifying Action, Transforming Futures: Achieving Triple Elimination in Africa by 2030,” brought together government representatives, global health organisations, donors, and community leaders. Its goal is to accelerate the elimination of three major diseases—HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis—by the end of this decade.
“We cannot eliminate these diseases if we work in isolation,” said Minister Cleto in her keynote address. “Collaboration, commitment, and coordinated investment are what will bring us closer to the finish line. Unifying action is key to transforming futures.”
Reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to regional and global health goals, she called on governments across the continent to invest in expanding access to diagnostics and treatment, especially for vulnerable populations.
“We must ensure that no one is left behind,” she emphasized.
The conference was jointly organised by the African Union Commission, the Ministry of Health of Uganda, Africa CDC, WHO, UNAIDS, and other international partners. It offered a platform for evaluating progress, identifying gaps, and aligning policies to advance the health and well-being of African citizens.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, echoed the call for decisive action. “The elimination of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis is not a dream—it is an achievable goal if we act decisively now,” she said, noting that women, children, and people living in poverty remain disproportionately affected by these diseases.
She stressed the importance of strong leadership and sustained financial commitment from African governments to meet the 2030 targets.
Beyond declarations, the conference addressed the financing gaps that threaten progress. Stakeholders called on the private sector, development partners, and philanthropic organisations to step up, while also encouraging domestic resource mobilisation and innovative funding strategies.
Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, described the gathering not merely as a health conference, but as a call to action for justice and equity in health for all Africans.
Panel sessions explored a wide range of topics, including the integration of services, the role of digital technologies, community engagement, and best practices in policy implementation. Delegates shared country experiences, success stories, and challenges still hampering efforts to eliminate these diseases.
As the conference enters its final day, a shared sense of purpose and urgency fills the air. Optimism remains that the momentum generated in Kampala will lead to concrete action—anchored in investment, solidarity, and a renewed commitment to transform Africa’s health landscape.
