Date: March 24, 2025
In honor of International Women’s Day month, iCHORDS is proud to collaborate with WI-HER. WI-HER is an international woman-owned business and consulting firm that focuses on sustainable development. They have collaborated with various organizations to advance work in the neglected tropical disease (NTD) sphere.
Here is an interview conducted by SJ Renfroe from WI-HER on Abuk Peter. Abuk Peter is the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Focal Person in South Sudan’s Ministry of Health. In the following interview, you will learn about the impact of women leading the elimination of neglected tropical disease(s) in South Sudan.
Pictured above: Abuk Peter
What inspired you to work in neglected tropical disease elimination in South Sudan?
Working as a medical doctor in public hospitals, I witnessed the challenges communities face due to limited healthcare access. Many people, especially in remote areas, suffer from diseases like lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, which can be prevented with consistent mass drug administration (MDA) and strong public health strategies. Seeing these challenges firsthand motivated me to contribute to NTD elimination efforts.
As a woman in public health leadership, what unique challenges have you faced in your work to combat NTDs in South Sudan?
As a woman in public health leadership, I have faced skepticism about my qualifications and abilities, with many assuming I was too weak or incapable of handling the demands of the job. Additionally, gender bias in leadership remains a significant challenge, as does navigating cultural and traditional expectations that prioritize family life over career advancement. Security and mobility issues also pose obstacles, especially in areas of South Sudan affected by communal conflicts. Lastly, I have encountered challenges in decision-making spaces, where my input is sometimes undermined or overlooked.
What has been your biggest accomplishment in NTD elimination work that you’re most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment in NTD elimination work has been reaching hard-to-access areas and engaging directly with communities, ensuring that even the most remote populations receive the care they need. Additionally, I am proud to have represented my country on international platforms where it is often underrepresented, bringing visibility to our efforts and challenges in combating NTDs.
How has your perspective as a woman influenced your approach to community health work in South Sudan?
My perspective as a woman in community health work in South Sudan has shaped the way I engage with women from diverse backgrounds, allowing me to understand the cultural norms and barriers that vary across the country. It has also helped me build trust within communities, especially among marginalized groups, and address gender-based barriers to accessing healthcare services, particularly in MDA campaigns. Lastly, it has reinforced my commitment to promoting community ownership by empowering women in the health sector.
What misconception about NTD work in South Sudan would you like to dispel?
One common misconception I’d like to dispel is that being physically fine means being truly healthy. Many NTDs are often hidden or overlooked, yet they can have long-term impacts on a person’s well-being. True health goes beyond what is visible.
How do you balance addressing immediate treatment needs with longer-term systemic changes in the healthcare system?
Balancing immediate treatment needs with long-term systemic changes requires a strategic approach, and prioritizing NTD interventions plays a critical role in achieving this balance. By reducing the burden of these diseases through MDA and other preventive measures, we free up resources and healthcare capacity to address other pressing health concerns.
Another key strategy is integrating NTD interventions into broader healthcare services. Rather than running parallel programs, we can embed NTD treatment and prevention into existing primary healthcare structures, maternal and child health services, and community health programs. This not only ensures sustainability but also strengthens the overall healthcare system, making it more efficient and accessible for the people who need it most.
Can you share a story about a community encounter that changed how you approach your work?
In October last year, I was conducting a root cause analysis to understand why certain communities were not participating in MDA. As part of my approach, I met with key stakeholders and explained the purpose of the assessment, asking them to relay the message to the community. However, when I arrived, I encountered resistance—community members were hesitant to answer my questions because they assumed I was there to force them to take the medication.
At that moment, I realized that effective communication doesn’t stop at engaging stakeholders; it must directly reach the people it affects. To address the situation, I sought out respected community leaders and took the time to explain the purpose of my visit and the importance of understanding their concerns. Once they understood, they spoke to the community on my behalf, building trust and easing fears. Eventually, the community members were open to being interviewed.
This experience reinforced the importance of engaging communities directly and ensuring that information is not just passed down but understood. It also highlighted the critical role of local leaders in bridging gaps between health initiatives and the people they serve. Since then, I’ve been more intentional about direct community engagement, ensuring that people feel heard and included in the decision-making process.
What role do you see for women in leading health initiatives in South Sudan, particularly around NTDs?
Women, as primary caregivers, have a unique privilege in serving as social mobilizers and driving community awareness about NTDs. Their trusted roles within households and communities allow them to influence health-seeking behaviors and encourage participation in MDA campaigns. Additionally, their involvement in the health sector—whether as community health workers, nurses, or policymakers—ensures that NTD interventions are not only effectively delivered but also designed with a gender-responsive and socially inclusive approach. By championing gender and social inclusivity, women can help bridge gaps in access to healthcare, ensuring that marginalized groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, receive the necessary treatment and support to combat NTDs.
What advice would you give to young South Sudanese women interested in pursuing careers in public health and NTD work?
Don’t let anyone define your limits—you are just as capable as anyone else. As a woman, you have the potential to achieve great things, not just in public health and NTD work, but in any field you choose to pursue. Believe in yourself, embrace every opportunity, and go after your goals with confidence.
How has the international community’s approach to NTD elimination in South Sudan evolved during your career?
During my career, I have observed a notable shift in planning and approaching NTD elimination in South Sudan. Initially, interventions were largely focused on MDA campaigns with an emphasis on coverage. While this approach was essential, it often overlooked contextual challenges such as geographic inaccessibility due to floods, community engagement gaps, and health system constraints.
Now, there is a greater emphasis on integrating NTD programs into the broader health system, ensuring sustainability and stronger health service delivery. This shift includes strengthening surveillance, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and adopting gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) strategies to ensure that women and vulnerable groups play an active role in health decision-making. Additionally, real-time data collection and analysis have improved, allowing for more targeted and responsive interventions.
This evolution reflects a move from a purely disease-focused approach to a more holistic, systems-based strategy that prioritizes long-term impact and community ownership.
What gives you hope for the future of NTD elimination in South Sudan?
The future of NTD elimination in South Sudan gives me hope because of the hard work and dedication of my colleagues, especially our Director, as well as the unwavering support from our partners and donors. I am also inspired by the commitment of community health workers who go above and beyond to ensure people are reached, and most importantly, by the trust and belief our communities have in us.
