HIV/Aids

Chairperson:
Hon. Dr. Esterina Novello Nyilok

Chairperson’s Profile:
Hon. Dr. Esterina Novello holds a Masters Degree in Medicine Pediatrics and Child Health from University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), University of Juba. Prior to her appointment as Chairperson of the South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission (SSAC) in September 2010, she previously served the same commission at the capacities of Ag. Executive Director (2009) and Director for Care, Support & Impact Mitigation (2006-2009). Hon. Dr. Esterina is an active member of SPLM and previously served as Secretary for Information and data base in New Sudan Women Acting Together for Change ( NS-WATCH ).

Functions:

The South Sudan AIDS Commission (SSAC) was established in 2006 by a presidential decree as an independent entity to:

• Develop strategy frameworks, policies and national guidelines to support planning, coordination and implementation of multisectoral national response to HIV and AIDS at all levels.
• Establish and strengthen partnership to expand response among HIV stakeholders.
• Promote research on HIV/AIDS and foster linkages with research institution.
• Develop effective mechanism for monitoring trends of the epidemic and its impact at all levels.
• Mobilize human and financial resources to strengthen the national HIV response.

Structure:

The commission secretariat comprises of the following at the HQs:

• Directorate of Policy and planning
• Directorate of M&E
• Directorate of Prevention
• Directorate of care and Support
• Directorate of Community Mobilization
• Directorate of Administration and Finance

The Commission has established State AIDS Commissions in the 10 States and 20 County AIDS Coordination Offices to monitor and coordinate the AIDS response in South Sudan.

Projects and Programs:

• Development of National HIV Policy documents and Guidelines
• Mainstreaming of HIV in Line Ministries
• Promoting HIV awareness at all levels
• Providing support to HIV Orphans and Venerable Children
• Addressing HIV among cross boarder population through the IGAD/IRRAP HIV mobile cross boarder project
• Providing capacity building at all levels
• Monitoring and evaluating the HIV epidemic impact in the Country
• Mobilizing resources to support implementation of the national HIV strategic plan and other related interventions

Publications and Documents:

• National HIV Strategic Plan 2013- 2017
• Strategic Information Plan 2013-2017
• National HIV Policy ( Draft)
• HIV/AIDS Communication Strategy
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
• National HIV Coordination Guidelines
• Guideline for Community Home based care
• World AIDS day reports
• Annual reports 2008/2009 / 2010 /2011/ 2012

HIV Voluntary Counseling and testing and Treatment Sites (ART & PMTCT)

Please contact the Ministry of Health HIV Division or the South Sudan AIDS Commission for directions and additional information required.

Simple tips on how to avoid HIV infections:

• A,B,C strategy i.e; Abstinence, Being faithful and correct and consistent Condom use;
• Blood transfusion should only be done after screening for HIV;
• Pregnant mother MUST access antenatal care services to avoid HIV transmissions from mother to child;
• Sterilize all sharp instruments before use
• Know your HIV status- ALWAYS.

Contacts:

Habib D. Awongo
Director General for Programme Coordination
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Ruben William Juma
D/G Administration and Finance
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Evelyn Letio
Programme Officer National PLHIV Network
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