South Sudan has successfully hosted the 10th East African Health and Scientific Conference (EAHSC), marking a significant milestone in regional cooperation on public health, science, and innovation. The three-day event, held from June 11 to 13 at the heart of Juba, attracted hundreds of health professionals, researchers, policy makers, and exhibitors from across the East African Community.
Organized under the auspices of the East African Health Research Commission, the biennial conference was hosted in South Sudan on a rotational mandate and supported by the country’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of East African Community Affairs. It featured plenary sessions, specialized breakout panels, and an international health exhibition and trade fair.
Key themes included strengthening health systems, advancing disease surveillance and outbreak preparedness, leveraging digital innovations in healthcare, and nurturing regional collaborations to meet global health targets. The exhibition showcased local and international advances in medical technology, public health tools, and healthcare services.
South Sudan’s Minister of Health, along with regional health commissioners, used the platform to underscore the importance of scientific research and shared resources in addressing persistent health challenges across the region, including maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and non-communicable disease management.
Participants called for enhanced cross-border partnerships to improve disease surveillance, streamline medical supply chains, and standardize health protocols across East Africa. Innovations in digital health were highlighted as pivotal for expanding access to care in remote and underserved communities.
In addition to fostering policy discussions, the conference served as a forum for young researchers and health practitioners to present original studies and practical solutions tailored to regional needs. The conference proceedings will be compiled in a published report that is expected to guide future regional health strategies.
With South Sudan having hosted for the first time, the event underscores the country’s growing role in regional health initiatives and solidifies its commitment to contributing to scientific advancement and public health cooperation throughout East Africa.
