By Alan Clement
South Sudan has opened a high-level dialogue on health financing in Juba, as government leaders and international partners confront the country’s mounting health sector challenges.
According to a statement from the Ministry’s communication department, the meeting, organized by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the World Bank, comes at a time when global financial pressures are straining resources and threatening the sustainability of essential services.
In her keynote address, the Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial, urged stakeholders to strengthen domestic investment in health systems.
“We must urgently improve and sustain essential health services across South Sudan. This requires stronger domestic commitment and innovative financing solutions,” she said in a statement.
South Sudan’s health sector remains fragile after years of conflict and economic instability. Many facilities operate with limited infrastructure, chronic shortages of trained personnel, and heavy reliance on external aid.
More than half of the population is estimated to need humanitarian assistance, with health needs worsened by flooding, displacement, and the lingering effects of COVID-19.
International partners have stepped in with support, including recent contributions to basic health and nutrition services.
Yet experts warn that without increased government allocations particularly for maternal and reproductive health the country risks setbacks in meeting continental commitments such as the Abuja Declaration.
Minister Rial emphasized that the dialogue must lead to concrete action. “Without urgent investment, South Sudan risks setbacks in delivering vital services to its citizens,” she added.
The discussions are expected to produce recommendations for mobilizing domestic resources, aligning donor support with national priorities, and strengthening governance in the health sector.
Stakeholders hope the dialogue will mark a turning point toward building a more resilient and sustainable health system in the world’s youngest nation.