By Lodu William Odiya
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, has pledged her ministry’s full support for the National Cancer Treatment Initiative, an effort aimed at establishing affordable cancer care within South Sudan.
The commitment was made during a consultative meeting on Monday with leaders from the South Sudan Cancer Association Network (SSCAN) and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO). The discussions focused on the urgent need for domestic treatment canters to reduce the burden on citizens.
Minister Atong commended the delegation for their proactive approach, describing cancer as a “cross-cutting concern” that impacts every citizen through consumption habits and public health.
She emphasized that the fight against cancer begins with prevention and regulation, highlighting the critical role of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS). According to the Minister, her office is working rigorously to,
Ensuring all imported food items meet strict safety requirements, testing products for harmful chemical additives that may be linked to cancer and preventing the sale of substandard goods that pose long-term health risks to the population.
In her closing remarks, Minister Atong reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project, positioning the Ministry of trade and Industry as a key advocate for the cause.
“The country is ours, and our health is our collective responsibility,” Atong stated. “We must support this initiative wholeheartedly. The Ministry will continue to advocate for this cause and will engage international partners to seek funding and resources for these vital treatment centers.”
The delegation briefed the Minister on the dire state of local healthcare infrastructure, noting that many South Sudanese are currently forced to seek expensive medical treatment abroad due to a lack of local facilities.
To address this, the group announced they are working to establish specialized centers to provide accessible care. A formal launch for the initiative is scheduled for February 4, 2026, coinciding with World Cancer Day, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health.