Strengthening health systems in challenging contexts: Interview with Mounir Lado

In this step, we talk again with Dr Mounir Lado (IMA World Health, Republic of South Sudan) from week 1. Here, Dr Lado speaks about how to approach and implement VL control in an ever-changing context.

Conflict has an enormously destabilising impact on a health system, with services being unsupported or completely absent. Major health system issues that may affect the goal of VL elimination and control include logistic and supply chain management and the availability of an adequate number of appropriately trained professionals. The significance of continuous training of health workers in diagnosis, treatment and reporting tools is highlighted here. Disease surveillance also takes a central role in enhancing access to services, assist finding cases (active case detection by setting up mobile camps) and delivering immediate treatment where needed.

Hospital in Lankien in South Sudan in 2017. Infrastructure is limited; therefore preparedness among professionals is fundamental to an efficient outbreak response. Photo credit: MSF