The southern Sudan Ministry of Health will be establishing a cancer program in the region.  Speaking to Miraya Fm, on World Cancer Day, Dr Pinyi Nyimol, said that cancer is one of the top five killer diseases in southern Sudan. Heart and lung diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure are other health problems southerners risk suffering from. Dr Nyimol added that hospitals in the south, including Juba Teaching Hospital, presently lack the necessary cancer screening and diagnostic centers. Dr Nyimol said the future cancer program is part of a five year action plan initiated by the World Health Organization in 2008. 

World Cancer Day falls on the 4th of February.