(Juba) – On Canada Day 2025, the Government of Canada is being recognised for its ongoing support to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls in South Sudan.
Through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Canadian funding is helping midwives and nurses work in some of the most challenging and underserved areas of the country.
Across South Sudan, women and girls continue to face limited access to maternal healthcare. With health infrastructure stretched thin, particularly in remote and conflict affected areas, midwives and nurses are often the only lifeline available. They deliver essential services including safe childbirth, emergency obstetric care, and support for survivors of gender based violence.
Thanks to Canada’s financial support, UNFPA South Sudan has been able to deploy trained health workers and distribute life-saving medical supplies. The funds also help ensure that midwives and nurses receive regular training, professional development, and support to work safely and effectively in high-risk environments.
The Canadian Embassy to South Sudan, working closely with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health and UNFPA, has focused its assistance on filling critical gaps in reproductive and maternal healthcare. These services are especially needed in rural areas, where poverty and ongoing insecurity often prevent women from reaching medical facilities.
Sarah Cleto Rial, South Sudan’s Minister of Health, welcomed the support. She stated that without the contributions of partners like Canada, many women would be left without care.
“Our health workers are on the frontlines, often risking their own safety. Canada’s support helps them to continue doing this vital work,” she said.
The UNFPA Representative in South Sudan, Sarah Masale, echoed the Minister’s comments, adding that the partnership is not only about saving lives today, but also about building long-term resilience in the country’s healthcare system.
“Every trained midwife and every safe delivery is a step towards a healthier South Sudan,” she noted.
Canada’s assistance also aligns with broader international efforts to promote gender equality and the health rights of women and girls. These efforts include support for youth services, protection from gender based violence, and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education.
Many South Sudanese health workers have spoken of the direct impact of this support. One midwife working in Jonglei State shared that the supplies and training provided by UNFPA and funded by Canada have enabled her to deliver babies safely even in areas where hospitals are inaccessible.
The financial value of the Canadian contribution has not been publicly disclosed. However, such programmes typically involve multi-million investments in local currency.
The UNFPA and Canada have long collaborated to respond to humanitarian needs in South Sudan.
The Embassy of Canada to South Sudan reiterated its commitment to standing with the people of South Sudan. In a statement shared on Canada Day, the Embassy highlighted its focus on “saving lives in the face of difficulties,” honouring the courage of midwives, nurses, and community health workers throughout the country.
