South Sudan Cancer Network

21/05/2026

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8)

Condolence Message

South Sudan Cancer Network (SSCN) was saddened by the sad news of the passing of Aliza Kur Deng on 20/5/2026, after an extended battle with cancer, who is a sister of Dr. Yohan Chol Kur, the Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the Network. The Network expresses profound regret at her passing, and extends sincere condolences and sympathies to the deceased’s family, parents, relatives, and friends. Fortitude and courage in fighting her final battle against cancer in the midst of the darkness of inaccessible public cancer care in the country were admirable. It reminds the network of its duty to advocate for establishing public cancer services for the nation.
The SSCN expresses deep regret and sincere condolences. May Almighty God rest her beautiful soul in eternal peace, and bring mercy, strength, and comfort to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

South Sudan Cancer Network
Ministry of Health - Republic of South Sudan

21/05/2026

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8)

Condolence Message

South Sudan Cancer Network (SSCN) was saddened by the sad news of the passing of Aliza Kur Deng on 20/5/2026, after an extended battle with cancer, who is a sister of Dr. Yohan Chol Kur, the Secretary General of the Board of Directors of the Network. The Network expresses profound regret at her passing, and extends sincere condolences and sympathies to the deceased’s family, parents, relatives, and friends. Fortitude and courage in fighting her final battle against cancer in the midst of the darkness of inaccessible public cancer care in the country were admirable. It reminds the network of its duty to advocate for establishing public cancer services for the nation.
The SSCN expresses deep regret and sincere condolences. May Almighty God rest her beautiful soul in eternal peace, and bring mercy, strength, and comfort to the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
South Sudan Cancer Network
Ministry of Health - Republic of South Sudan

13/05/2026

South Sudan’s Ministry of Health Pledges Support for Launching Cancer Treatment Services

Hon. Dr. Oromo Francis, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, pledged full support for launching cancer treatment services in South Sudan.

The commitment includes establishing surgical oncology, medical oncology, pediatric oncology units, and a general pathology laboratory at Juba Teaching Hospital. The pledge was made during a meeting with the South Sudan Cancer Network on 12 May 2025.

Assistant Prof. Dr. Albino Amum Awin, Chairperson of the South Sudan Cancer Network, called for urgent action to establish a national cancer registry, deploy physicians, and forge partnerships to build a national cancer institute.

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13/05/2026

Hon. Dr/ Oromo pledges full support for cancer services in the country.

the Underscretary of the Ministry of Heath, Republic of South Sudan, Hon. Oromo Francis pledges a full support for cancer services in South Sudan during a meeting held at the HQ of the Ministry with South Sudan Cancer(SSCN) Network held on 12/5/2025, he pledged his full support for the call of SSCN for urgent need to establish functioning oncology Units including surgical Oncology, medical oncology, pediatric oncology, pathology units, and needs to explore training opportunities for cancer care providers, appointment of medical doctors to Juba Teaching. It is worth noting that the undersecretary is a pathologist and was an active member of a network that has been advocating for cancer services in the country, where there is no single functioning public pathology Lab capable of diagnosing cancer.
It is worth noting that South Sudan is the only country in the region that lacks cancer services, where the diagnosis of a cancer case is equivalent to a death sentence. The patients are sent home to wait for death due to the inaccessibility.
Assist Prof. Dr/ Albino Amum Awin, PhD, the chairperson of the SSCN, emphasized an urgent need to establish a population-based cancer registry, appointment of young doctors and deploying them to Juba Teaching Hospital, navigating training opportunities, temporary hiring of foreign medical oncologist, establishing public pathology lab in JTH, partnership with regional and international organizations for cancer control programs, as well as a long-term plan for the establishment of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
South Sudan Cancer Network is a national NGO that has been engaging policymakers to recognize cancer services as national services to the people.
The SSCN is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health to improve cancer care in the country.
WHO - Republic of South Sudan Ministry of Health - Republic of South Sudan UICC - Union for International Cancer Control United Nations Development Programme - UNDP South Sudan Cancer Network Egyptian gynecological oncology society Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Dana-Farber Cancer Institute UN Women UN Women Africa - ONU Femmes Afrique World Health Organization (WHO)

28/03/2026

Congratulations

The South Sudan Cancer Network (SSCN) extends its warmest congratulations to Assoc Prof/ Oromo Francis Seriano, and thanks the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Lt Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, for his trust and well-deserved appointment of an able Associate Professor as the Undersecretary, Ministry of Health. This assignment, at a critical time when public health facilities are facing challenges due to the withdrawal of support, reflects dedication, leadership, and a longstanding contribution to both academia and the health sector in South Sudan. The Network appreciates his long-term service as a senior advisor for the Board of Directors of the SSCN, as well as an advocate for integration of cancer services into national health policy. The payoff was the establishment of the National Cancer Department.
As the Netwok congratulates his appointment, it continues concerned by growing cancer burden and the fact that South Sudan is the only country in the region where the diagnosis of cancer case is equivalent to death sentence due to inaccessible cancer services, including lack of functioning public histopathology Lab, infrastructure, chemotherapeutic drugs, radiotherapy, surgical oncology services, and shortage of cancer care providers. His appointment marks a turning point, milestone, and viable hope for cancer patients across the country. The SSCN is confident that he will further strengthen the health system and advance critical priorities, including national cancer control programs and cancer centers.
The SSCN stands behind him, wishes him success in this important role, and looks forward to continued collaboration to improve the health and well-being of our communities.

Assist Prof. Dr/ Albino Amum Awin, PhD, MD, MSc, MBBS
Chairperson of South Sudan Cancer Network Date: 27/3/2026

WHO - Republic of South Sudan Eye Radio Ministry of Health - Republic of South Sudan

01/03/2026

01/03/2026

Reported earlier this week in Nature Medicine, experts predict a significant proportion of cancer cases globally are linked to “modifiable risk facto | Cancer

01/03/2026

Cancer Patients Face Limited Treatment Options in South Sudan

Juba – For many families in South Sudan, a cancer diagnosis has continued to mark the beginning of a painful and uncertain journey, as treatment options remain limited within the country.

It has been observed that when a child or spouse is diagnosed with cancer, families are often confronted with only a few difficult choices. Medical evacuation to countries such as India is frequently considered, but the high cost of travel, treatment, and accommodation has placed it beyond the reach of most households.

Others have opted for overland travel to neighboring Uganda, where specialized cancer care services are more readily available, particularly in the capital, Kampala. However, the journey has often been described as physically exhausting and financially draining, especially for patients already weakened by illness.

For families unable to afford either option, care has in many cases been managed at home, where access to specialized oncology services, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and palliative care remains extremely limited. In such circumstances, outcomes have frequently been described as devastating.

Health advocates have continued to call for increased investment in cancer diagnosis and treatment infrastructure within South Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need for functional oncology centers, trained specialists, and affordable medication.

Until comprehensive cancer care is established domestically, the geography of survival for many South Sudanese families will remain defined by distance, cost, and hardship.

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28/02/2026

Thanks WHO - Republic of South Sudan and Agency for Research on Cancer

28/02/2026

28/02/2026

Thanks WHO - Republic of South Sudan