South Sudan and The Global Fund Sign New Partnership to Strengthen Health Response

Juba, June 13, 2024 - The Republic of South Sudan Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Global Fund (GF) have signed a new "Declaration of Commitment and Joint Collaboration to Fight HIV, TB, and Malaria, Strengthen Immunisation and Health System in the Country."

The signing ceremony was presided over by the Republic of South Sudan’s Vice President and Chair of the Service Cluster, H.E Hussein Abdelbagi Akol. This milestone collaboration builds upon a US$144 million grant from the Global Fund to support health response implementation over three years, aimed at combating HIV, TB, and malaria, while also strengthening the country's health systems.

Dr. Harley Feldbaum, Director for Strategy and Policy Hub at the Global Fund, acknowledged the progress made in South Sudan's health sector, particularly in Malaria, TB and HIV treatment, and expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Ministry of Health. Dr. Feldbaum emphasized the need for integrated health services in the country and encouraged continued coordination and investment in the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP).

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ader Macar Aciek, stated that the GF and GAVI Alliance have invested over $800 million in South Sudan to tackle HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria. This funding has supported the delivery of services to over 240 health facilities, leading to a 27% increase in ART coverage and 86% viral suppression.

Amy LaTrielle, Director for Fragile and Conflict Countries at the GAVI Alliance, highlighted the significant improvements in immunisation coverage in South Sudan since the GAVI partnership began, with a 22% decrease in unvaccinated children and 1.5 million deaths averted. However, she also acknowledged the ongoing challenges, including the Sudan crisis and impending floods.

The Acting Minister of Health, Hon. Awut Deng Achuil, called on the Global Fund, donor countries, organizations, and individuals to continue providing support for South Sudan and share experiences to help the country reach its set targets.

The Vice President and Chair of the Service Cluster, H.E Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, emphasized the importance of partnership in improving South Sudan's healthcare system, citing the country's collaboration with global partners.

As of September 2023, the Global Fund has approved more than US$66 billion in funding to fight three of the world's deadliest diseases. Created in 2002, its largest public donors are the USA, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan. According to its 2023 report, the Global Fund has saved 59 million lives in 20 years, and in 2022 alone, its partnerships benefited 24.5 million people with HIV therapy, 6.7 million people with TB treatment, and distributed 220 million mosquito nets.