JUBA, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan launched its first population-based cancer registry on Thursday at Juba Teaching Hospital, marking a major milestone in disease surveillance.
The registry will track cancer types, distribution, and trends to guide evidence-based healthcare planning and resource allocation.
"This registry is more than just a system for recording cancer cases. It is the foundation for better decisions, stronger cancer services, and more informed actions to protect the health of our community," said Tolbert Geewleh Nyenswah, country representative of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for South Sudan.
Albino Amum Awin, director of the cancer registry, noted that South Sudan previously lacked a dependable documentation system, leaving public health interventions without vital guidance. The cancer registry will allow South Sudan to contribute reliable data to international databases.
Caretaker Minister of Health Dak Duop Bichiok noted that the country has long struggled to obtain reliable national cancer data, hindering efforts to understand the burden of the disease and plan effective interventions.
Bichiok said the new registry will empower the government and its partners to make informed decisions regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and investment.
He also urged private hospitals, medical professionals, and health stakeholders to actively contribute to cancer reporting to ensure comprehensive databases.
Anthony Lupai, director-general of Juba Teaching Hospital, noted that while South Sudan has made strides in developing cancer expertise, it still lacks the facilities and equipment needed for comprehensive treatment.
Lupai emphasized that establishing a cancer registry must be paired with investments in treatment facilities, trained staff, and medical equipment.
