(JUBA) – South Sudan is taking critical steps to improve access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services through a national initiative backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners. In a country grappling with the long term effects of conflict, climate emergencies and disease outbreaks, the healthcare system has struggled to provide essential services, particularly for women and girls. The maternal mortality ratio in South Sudan remains one of the highest in the world at 692 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The Ministry of Health has prioritised rebuilding its primary healthcare systems to address the high rates of adolescent pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal deaths. This includes training health workers, equipping facilities, and improving coordination among healthcare providers. Services such as skilled birth attendance, post-abortion care, and family planning are now being offered in many underserved areas.
Key regions like Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Torit, Wau, Malakal, and Renk have seen notable progress, with more than 190 healthcare workers trained in maternal death surveillance, clinical management of rape, and family planning. This training has improved access to contraceptive services and enhanced care for survivors of gender-based violence.
Midwives like Faida Jackline in Juba report increased confidence and capacity in managing sexually transmitted infections and supporting maternal health. In addition, more than 540 local and religious leaders have participated in WHO-supported community sensitisation campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and promoting awareness around reproductive health.
A major development has been the implementation of South Sudan’s national post-abortion care guidelines. These are intended to help manage complications from both spontaneous and unsafe abortions. Thirty-five primary healthcare centres were targeted for support, and over 30% of them have now been equipped with manual vacuum aspirators, surgical beds, and essential supplies. In Juba County alone, six health facilities now offer cervical cancer screening and comprehensive post-abortion care, with services delivered by recently trained midwives.
In 2024, the initiative’s first year, 934 women received treatment for post-abortion complications. Many of these services were delivered in clinics that had previously been unequipped to handle such cases. Health workers like Kenyi Emmanuel Wani at Munuki Primary Healthcare Centre have cited the new tools and training as life-saving, helping to reduce both deaths and long-term health consequences.
This initiative is also helping to rebuild public confidence in the country’s healthcare system, especially among women in rural and underserved communities. Reproductive health coordinator Vivian Hawa highlighted the improved quality of care now available, noting that these efforts are bridging long-standing gaps in access.
WHO and the Ministry of Health are appealing for sustained investment as the programme enters its second year. Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative to South Sudan, stressed that access to SRHR services is essential not just for health but for dignity, rights, and long term resilience. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting a more inclusive and resilient health system in South Sudan.
| Key Figures (2024) | Total |
|---|---|
| Health workers trained in SRHR | 190+ |
| Local/religious leaders engaged in awareness | 540+ |
| Women treated for post-abortion complications | 934 |
| Primary healthcare centres equipped with new tools | 30% of 35 centres |
| Health facilities offering cervical cancer screening (Juba County) | 6 |
