Photo Credit: MoH Communications
Juba, South Sudan | 17 October 2025—In a significant stride toward holistic healthcare, the National Ministry of Health today officially launched its first-ever National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategic Plan (2025–2029).
This landmark five-year strategy, led by the Ministry of Health with technical support from the WHO – Republic of South Sudan and other partners, is designed to be fully responsive to the country’s mental health needs and improve the efficiency of care delivery. A central pillar of the plan is ensuring social and financial risk protection for the overall improved mental health of all South Sudanese. The core aims are to prioritize mental health, ensure access to care, strengthen community resilience, and champion mental health as a fundamental human right.
Addressing the Humanitarian Reality
The launch event, which also commemorated World Mental Health Day (observed on October 10th) under the theme “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” underscored the profound challenges faced by the nation’s populace.
During the launching ceremony, the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, delivered a powerful and personal address, emphasizing the pervasive nature of mental distress in the country.
“Everyone is affected by mental health problems in South Sudan. This stress weighs not only on our bodies but on our minds; in such a context, mental health can’t be sidelined without support,” Minister Sarah stated.
She stressed that a failure to address these issues undermines national progress: “We cannot achieve universal health care or health coverage. Untreated mental disorders undermine productivity, social cohesion, and peace.”
The Minister also highlighted the critical need for individual and community action, stressing the importance of self-improvement in personal behaviour and interactions within the community to collectively improve mental health.
The Path Ahead (2025–2029)
The new Strategic Plan sets the framework for a nationwide push to heal minds and restore hope. It represents a renewed commitment to take this strategy “from paper to practice,” providing a coordinated roadmap to tackle the country’s severe mental health service gap.
The Strategic Plan will prioritize:
- Integration of mental health and psychosocial services into the existing primary healthcare system.
- Strengthening the capacity of the health workforce through extensive training.
- Improving the availability and supply of essential psychotropic medications.
- Combatting Stigma and ensuring access to care for all, advancing the goal of Universal Health Coverage.
This commitment to mental health as a core component of national well-being signals a hopeful new chapter for the people of South Sudan.