The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has expressed concerns over the high fertility rate and limited access to family planning services in South Sudan.
A recent report from the UNFPA has highlighted the risk of rapid population growth in South Sudan, which could place significant strain on public resources and impede the country’s development. This warning was issued during the launch of the 2024 State of the World Population Report, which took place on Friday at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in Juba.
The event also commemorated World Population Day, observed annually on 11th July to raise awareness about global population trends and their potential impacts.
South Sudan currently has a fertility rate of 5.3 children per woman, more than double the global average of 2.2. This high fertility rate is a result of limited access to reproductive health services and a lack of choice, in contrast to declining fertility rates observed in more developed nations.
Francis Tukwasibwe, the UNFPA representative in South Sudan, highlighted the significant proportion of unintended pregnancies in the country and the challenges faced by many couples in accessing modern contraceptives. He emphasised that unplanned births contribute to household poverty, place pressure on public services, and exacerbate gender disparities.
Benjamin Ayali Koyongwa, the Undersecretary for Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, issued stark projections predicting that South Sudan’s population could exceed 48 million by 2061 if current trends persist. He emphasised the need for strategic planning to address the demographic challenges facing the country, including a rural fertility rate of 6.5 children per woman, low national family planning access of 4%, and a high annual population growth rate of 4%.
It is crucial to establish a national roadmap to leverage the demographic dividend and ensure that investments are made in the health, education, and employment of the growing youth population in South Sudan. Urgent action is required to address these challenges and secure a more sustainable future.
UNFPA is calling on the government to expand access to family planning services to reach at least 40% of the population by 2040, improve health infrastructure, reduce maternal mortality, and establish a National Population Council to coordinate efforts.
This year’s World Population Day theme focused on empowering young people to make informed decisions about their families and futures in a fair and hopeful world. In South Sudan, where over 70% of the population is under 30, these messages resonate deeply.
While acknowledging the demographic dividend presented by the youth population in South Sudan, challenges such as early marriage, gender-based violence, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare remain pressing concerns. Efforts must be made to support the holistic development and empowerment of young people.
Despite the numerous challenges faced by South Sudanese youth, there remains hope for a more promising future if sustained efforts are made to empower and include young people in national solutions.
Acknowledging the obstacles faced at both policy and personal levels, Health Minister Sarah Cleto emphasised the importance of open discussions about sexual and reproductive health in South Sudan. Collaboration with UNFPA and other partners is ongoing to enhance access to youth-friendly health services, promote informed reproductive choices, reduce unintended pregnancies, and prevent diseases.
