South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The South Sudan Aids Commission yesterday said it urgently needs 300 million U.S dollars to implement its three -year national HIV response strategy amid funding shortfall caused by recent donor cuts.
The chairperson of South Sudan Aids commission Dr Esterina Novello, said they are yet to receive 120 million dollars pledged from the Global Fund, while the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) prior to suspending support to HIV/Aids contributed more than 40 million dollars annually to fight against HIV/Aids.
“The Global Fund covers 100% of HIV treatment and commodities like condoms. The U.S. support goes mostly to human resources. They recruit their own staff who work in government hospitals, but they don’t procure drugs or other commodities,” said Novello at a press conference in Juba.
In February 2025, the U.S. government paused funding for HIV/Aids to countries, which were dependent on this support, leaving poorer countries like South Sudan hit hard.
“Yes, it affected us, but not as much as feared. Drugs were still available and services never ceased,” said Novello, adding that clinics have now resumed full operations.
She urged people living with HIV to return for treatment and drug refills.
“We have the drugs, the doctors and the nurses. Everything is back to normal. Some patients are still hesitant because of previous clinic closures, but services are continuing,” said Novello.
The current number of people living with HIV in South Sudan is estimated at 167,000, down from 184,000 in previous years.
“The reduction can mean two things, either people are dying or we are successfully reducing new infections. Fortunately, indicators show mortality is declining now around 8% and new infections have dropped from 17%,” said Novello.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Network of AIDS and Health Service Organizations of South Sudan (NASOSS), Peter Garang, said although a limited waiver was issued by the U.S. State Department to continue life-saving HIV care, treatment and prevention of mother-to-child transmission; many vital community programs remain unattended to.
He disclosed that these programs include targeting adolescent girls and young women, orphans and vulnerable children, the LIFT UP initiative for paediatric HIV care, and community-led monitoring efforts in 22 health facilities.
“These programs are essential in preventing new infections and supporting treatment adherence. Their suspension affects over 38,000 individuals, including vulnerable children, adolescents, and key populations,” said Garang.
He warned that the shutdown of these initiatives could lead to a rise in new infections, increased stigma and discrimination, school dropouts, and even loss of life due to treatment interruptions.
