(JUBA) – The Ministry of Health of South Sudan has commissioned a new solar power system at its headquarters in Juba, marking a transition towards renewable energy solutions in public health infrastructure.
The project was implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) South Sudan and funded by the Global Fund as part of the “Solar for Health in South Sudan” programme. Since 2020, the initiative has introduced solar energy to hospitals and health facilities across the country, supported by the COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) grant.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on 14 August 2025, the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, said the new installation would strengthen health information and disease surveillance systems while ensuring uninterrupted communication and coordination with state and county health departments.
She explained that the solar system at the ministry is part of a wider solarisation initiative supported by the Global Fund, which has so far delivered clean and reliable energy to 23 health facilities nationwide. These include hospitals, county health offices and the Ministry headquarters.
“The installation of this system is a major step towards improving the efficiency of health service delivery in South Sudan. We are grateful to our development partners for their continued support in fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and in helping us to strengthen health systems and save lives,” the Minister said.
Mr Russell Armstrong, UNDP Project Coordination Advisor, highlighted that the solarisation programme has provided sustainable energy solutions to state and referral hospitals, the National Public Health Laboratory and the Central Medical Store. He stressed UNDP’s commitment to maintaining the systems, training local personnel and ensuring the investments bring long term benefits to communities.
