South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Anita Kiki Gbeho, urged partners on Tuesday to address gaps in disease surveillance and response.
“As we look ahead to the Global Fund’s eighth replenishment for 2027 to 2029, co-hosted by South Africa and the United Kingdom, I urge partners to channel resources to close critical gaps in integrated disease surveillance, rapid response teams, and cross-border laboratory networks,” said Gbeho during the engagement event held at Riverside Warehouse in Gumbo.
Gbeho stated that the current HIV, TB, and malaria grant for 2024 to 2026, valued at $167 million, is the largest since independence and focuses on building resilient, sustainable health systems and pandemic preparedness.
“Lastly, and in conclusion, I encourage all partners to reaffirm their commitment to global health and to the government and the people of South Sudan. We are building a stronger, more resilient health system where no one is left behind,” she said.
Lole Laila, the Executive Director for the South Sudan Network of Persons Living with HIV, said that support from the Global Fund has saved many lives, particularly in South Sudan, where the health system is still fragile.
“Today, many of us have viral loads that are now classified as non-detectable, which means we are defeating HIV and AIDS through the work of the Global Fund. We need to come together as partners to address these issues,” said Laila.
Evelyn Letio, programme coordinator for the South Sudan Network for People Living with HIV, said that the Global Fund’s unwavering support over the past 20 years is a milestone that speaks volumes of solidarity, partnership, and hope.
“For two decades, the Global Fund has been working alongside us in a country marked by fragility, displacement, and limited resources. The Global Fund has been a lifeline. It has brought antiretroviral therapy closer to our homes and supported testing and counselling,” said Letio.
“We will continue to be at the forefront of the HIV and TB response, advocating, educating, and supporting our communities with the same passion that the Global Fund has shown us over the last 20 years,” she added.
Mohamed Abchir, the country representative for the United Nations Development Programme, stated that the Global Fund has, over the last 21 years, increased action and investment to save lives and combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
“Over the past two decades, a total of 12 grants funded by the Global Fund have been implemented in South Sudan, covering HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and components for resilient and sustainable health systems,” said Abchir.
Abchir revealed that 245 hospitals and health facilities across the country are offering essential HIV and TB services. He added that the warehouse in Gumbo serves as a storage facility for essential HIV and TB drugs, laboratory reagents, and other supplies for the Ministry of Health.
Abchir also mentioned that the first incinerator, currently stationed at the National Public Health Laboratory, was procured using UNDP core resources, and that 11 additional incinerators are being procured to bring the total to 14.
“Moving forward, we should work hard to protect and sustain the gains made, save more lives, overcome bottlenecks to service, and make meaningful changes in the lives of the people whose lives we seek to impact,” he said.
James Hoth Mai, the Acting Minister of Health, said the government recognises and appreciates the support of the Global Fund and the United Nations Development Programme, which continue to make a difference in the lives of the people of South Sudan.
“The government is committed to addressing gaps in pandemic response. The Global Fund investment is a testament to this commitment. South Sudan’s HIV target is to ensure that 95% of people living with HIV know their status and that 95% of those diagnosed achieve 95% viral load suppression,” said Mai.
The Global Fund grants in South Sudan, led by the Ministry of Health and the Country Coordinating Mechanism managed by UNDP, support South Sudan’s vision to end HIV, TB, and malaria as public health threats by 2030.
