By Matik Kueth
The United Kingdom announced $26 million (GBP £20 million) in new funding to support primary health care delivery and strengthen South Sudan’s fragile health system during a high-level visit to health facilities in Juba on Wednesday.
The funding, channeled through the World Bank-led Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), aims to expand access to quality health services, reinforce emergency response capacity, and enhance infrastructure in medical facilities across the country.
Speaking to the media at the Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba, David Ashley, the British Ambassador to South Sudan, noted that the donation signifies the UK’s commitment to supporting the country’s health care system.
“The aim is to announce a $26 million contribution to the World Bank-led multi-donor trust fund health transformation project. Support through HSTP, we’ll provide health and service nationwide,” Ashley said.
“Our continued commitment to this country and to the health of South Sudan’s men, women and especially children. Our funding in support of the committed South Sudanese doctors, nurses and other health professionals, such as those we met today, will mean more lives saved,’’ he stated.
He stated that part of the funds will go towards supporting additional equipment and infrastructure in 11 medical facilities, including Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital.
Ashley reaffirmed support for the recruitment of eight health technical experts to assist the Ministry of Health at both national and state levels.
These specialists will provide operational support, strengthen emergency preparedness and improve the response to health threats.
However, the ambassador cautioned that sustainable progress must also come from local investment.
“At a time of unprecedented pressure on international aid funds, South Sudan’s health sector cannot rely entirely on the generosity of others. There should be no bigger priority for South Sudan’s national budget than the health of its children,” he warned.
Seb Fouquet, the UK’s Development Director, emphasized that the new funding will enhance South Sudan’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
“This funding will help strengthen primary health care and ensure that South Sudan is better prepared to respond to health emergencies. Our partnerships with key stakeholders are critical to achieving sustainable improvements in health services,” he emphasized.
The announcement comes as health facilities continue to struggle with shortages of supplies, staff, and funding, placing millions, especially children, at risk.
Alongside this investment, the UK is also reinforcing its wider global health commitments with a $1.1 billion pledge to the Global Fund, demonstrating its international financing role.
Since 2017, South Sudan has received more than $350 million from the Global Fund, which has supported life-saving treatment, malaria prevention, health worker capacity and overall health system resilience.