UNICEF and the UK Government launch the construction and rehabilitation of health facilities across South Sudan

Juba, South Sudan — UNICEF, working alongside the Government of the United Kingdom via the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and closely collaborating with the South Sudan Ministry of Health, has begun building and rehabilitating key health facilities in various states of South Sudan.

The initiative is part of a six-month programme titled “Building Resilient Primary Health Care Systems: Community Health and Health Facility Support in South Sudan”, which aims to improve access to quality maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition services in some of the country’s most underserved and crisis-affected regions. The rehabilitated and newly constructed facilities are expected to be completed and officially handed over to the Government of South Sudan by March 2026.

The project will assist selected hospitals and PHCCs in Upper Nile, Unity, Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Eastern Equatoria States. It includes building staff quarters, expanding maternity wards, installing solar power, setting up water and sanitation systems, refurbishing operating theatres, and developing cold chain storage for the Expanded Immunisation Programme. These efforts are vital for maintaining essential health services during conflicts, displacements, and climate shocks.

The programme supports the Ministry of Health–led Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP) by focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure, enhanced referral systems, and improved working conditions for frontline health workers, aiming to boost retention and ensure consistent services in remote areas.

The UK Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, said:

"The United Kingdom has resolutely supported the people of South Sudan with health care assistance since independence. This latest UK contribution will improve essential health services for mothers and children in seven states across South Sudan. It is part of a wider package of UK support to the health sector in South Sudan that includes USD26 million to the Health Sector Transformation Project as well as additional support for the Boma Health Initiative and for sexual and reproductive health services. 

“However, only sustained investment by the Government of South Sudan can ensure a sustainable, improved health service less reliant on international assistance. We call again on Government and Parliament to demonstrate that the welfare of the South Sudanese people is their highest priority by significantly increasing the currently very low budget allocation for health and other basic services.” 

“This investment is crucial for South Sudan’s health system. By boosting community services via the Boma Health Initiative and enhancing health facility infrastructure, we are supporting pregnant women, newborns, and children in accessing vital care even in tough situations," said Ismail Kamil, Acting UNICEF Representative in South Sudan.

UNICEF and the UK Government reaffirm their dedication to assisting the Government of South Sudan in developing a resilient, equitable, and sustainable primary health care system—one that safeguards lives now and strengthens the basis for long-term recovery and growth.

UK Embassy:

The British Embassy Juba is supporting the Ministry of Health–led Health Sector Transformation Project by investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthened referral systems, and improved conditions for frontline health workers. Through partnerships with UNICEF and other stakeholders, the UK is helping to expand access to quality primary health care, reinforce community health services, and build a more resilient and equitable health system capable of withstanding conflict, displacement and climate shocks.

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