Norway provides $3.6 million to support health sector in South Sudan

By Awan Achiek

The Norwegian Embassy on Tuesday announced an additional funding of 3.6 million U.S dollars to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to scale up sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in the country.

Roar Haugsdal, Norwegian Ambassador in South Sudan announced the donation on Tuesday during the occasion marking International Human Rights Day and the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Juba.

Haugsdal said that approximately $2.2 million of the money will be earmarked to address obstetric fistula.

“Through this additional funding we support the acceleration of efforts to ensure that women receive care with dignity to eliminate obstetric fistula in South Sudan,” Haugsdal said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He noted that South Sudan faces an alarming backlog of an estimated 60,000 cases of obstetric fistula requiring surgical intervention, with fewer than 1,000 individuals having received treatment.

“Sexual and reproductive health and rights are a cornerstone of Norway’s global development priorities,” said Haugsdal.

H said the funding will be a lifeline for countless women and girls suffering from various diseases to enable them regain their health, dignity, and independence.

Haugsdal disclosed that the embassy has been supporting UNFPA’s country program of treating obstetric fistula as well addressing child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

He revealed that the program has also improved access to contraceptives and revitalized the National Taskforce on Fistula Management.

“Aligned with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, this initiative underscores the Embassy’s focus on protecting women and girls in fragile contexts,” said Huagsdal.

He said Norway aims to empower survivors with a second chance at a dignified life and contribute to sustainable development in South Sudan.

Norway has allocated Norwegian Kroner 9.6 billion (approximately 858 million USD) towards global (SRHR) initiatives for the 2020–2025 period, highlighting its long-standing commitment to this critical issue.