South Sudan Health Leadership Shake-Up
South Sudan’s Ministry of Health announced a key reshuffle on Friday, naming seasoned administrator Dr Harriet Akelo Pasquale as Director-General for International Health and Coordination, according to a ministerial order obtained by Eye Radio.
The decree, signed by Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial, takes immediate effect and relieves Dr Malek Deng from the role.
Mandate of International Health Coordination
The directorate manages the country’s engagements with global health bodies, donor agencies and humanitarian NGOs, ensuring policies align with international standards while reflecting national priorities.
It also tracks cross-border disease surveillance, a critical task as South Sudan collaborates with neighbours on Ebola, COVID-19 and cholera preparedness.
Who Is Dr Harriet Pasquale?
Dr Pasquale, formerly an undersecretary in the ministry, currently heads Juba’s private Gudele Hospital, recognised for its modern diagnostics.
She was relieved of her undersecretary duties in March by presidential decree, but remains respected for steering vaccine roll-outs and maternal health campaigns during her tenure.
Partners Welcome Fresh Momentum
“Coordination is the oil of effective aid,” noted a senior WHO official in Juba, welcoming the appointment as a chance to streamline project reporting.
Civil society coalition HealthNet said Pasquale’s dual public-private experience could “bridge gaps between policy and frontline realities,” a sentiment echoed by several NGO managers.
Implications for Regional Health Agenda
Observers believe the leadership change positions South Sudan to secure additional funding windows at upcoming African Union health forums.
Pasquale told Eye Radio she would “bring partners around one table” to fast-track policies on universal coverage, digital health records and resilient supply chains.