(JUBA) – The Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, has received a visiting delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led by Ms. Lydia Zigomo, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, in Juba on Tuesday, 9 December 2025.
The meeting, which also included the Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, Hon. Dr. Augustino Ting Mayai, focused on strengthening institutional cooperation to improve population and census data collection in South Sudan.
Dr. Ting highlighted the critical role of accurate data in national planning, particularly as the country prepares for the upcoming 2026 elections. He noted that reliable statistics are essential for monitoring public health indicators such as sexual and reproductive health, maternal mortality, gender-based violence, and early child marriage.
“The collaboration with UNFPA as a leading global data agency will enhance our capacity to collect and manage population data efficiently,” Dr. Ting said. “These efforts will support evidence-based decision-making across government sectors.”
UNFPA officials reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting South Sudan in improving data recording, management, and analysis, noting the importance of robust data for effective policy formulation and public service delivery.
Minister Bak assured the delegation that the government is committed to backing the National Bureau of Statistics to achieve its objectives and strengthen the country’s national planning processes. He stressed that reliable population data is a cornerstone for development, policy implementation, and election preparedness.
| Key Areas of Cooperation | Objective | Expected Outcomes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population and Census Data | Accurate national statistics | Improved planning and policy decisions | Supports upcoming 2026 elections |
| Public Health Records | Track reproductive health, maternal mortality, and child welfare | Evidence-based health programs | Collaboration with UNFPA technical teams |
| Gender-Based Data | Monitor early child marriage and gender-based violence | Policy formulation and interventions | Strengthen reporting mechanisms |
| Capacity Building | Training for National Bureau of Statistics staff | Improved data collection and management | Long-term institutional support from UNFPA |
