By Jacob Onuha Nelson
The United Kingdom (UK) has announced additional $26 million contribution as support to Health Sector Transformation Project (in South Sudan.
Speaking to journalists at Al-Sabbah Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, David Ashley, British Ambassador to South Sudan, said the visit to the hospital and Kator Health Care Centre (HCC) was an opportunity to highlight the Embassy’s commitment to supporting the nation’s health services.
“We are very grateful to the hospital for allowing us to use their facilities today. The aim is to announce a $26 million contribution to the World Bank-led Multi-Donor Trust Fund, which supports the Health Sector Transformation Project,” Ashley said.
The Ambassador emphasized that the support will enhance basic health and nutrition services nationwide, build the capacity of the Ministry of Health and county health departments, improve reporting and data systems, and provide a foundation for the Boma Health Initiative, which delivers primary health care at the community level, including for refugees and host communities.
“The UK has long been a supporter of the health sector in South Sudan. We are proud of our contributions to date, and this announcement is further evidence of our commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan,” he noted.
Ashley highlighted that while the Embassy works with partners such as the World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, and other donors to support health services, its contribution cannot replace government funding.
He urged the government to prioritize health by allocating sufficient public resources and ensuring children across the country receive essential care.
“They need the resources and funding to do their work, just like their counterparts throughout the country,” the Ambassador added, commending the dedication and professionalism of the hospital staff.
Seb Fouquet Obe, Humanitarian and Development Director at the British Embassy, described the visit as an important opportunity to understand the challenges facing South Sudan’s health facilities.
“We are very pleased to announce our contribution to the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP),” Fouquet said.
He noted that part of the support will also fund WISH (Wish-granting) programs designed to improve children’s medical, emotional, and spiritual well-being nationwide.
“This funding will strengthen primary health care and ensure South Sudan is better prepared to respond to health emergencies,” he assured.
He also emphasized the urgent need to address risks such as cholera outbreaks and other public health crises.
Fouquet further explained that the Embassy’s support extends beyond financial aid, including technical expertise for partners like WHO and UNICEF to build the capacity of South Sudan’s health system.
Despite the influx of support, Al-Sabbah Children’s Hospital continues to face critical challenges, including shortages of essential medicines and medical equipment, inadequate infrastructure such as clean water and reliable electricity, limited funding, and security concerns affecting staff.
The hospital also struggles with a shortage of skilled personnel, no internet connectivity, and high patient loads due to malnutrition and diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea.
The $26 million contribution represents a significant boost for South Sudan’s health sector, signalling continued international commitment to improving access to quality health services for the country’s most vulnerable populations.