(JUBA) – UNICEF, in partnership with the British government and South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, has launched a programme to construct and upgrade health facilities across several states. The six-month initiative aims to expand access to maternal, newborn and child health services, nutrition support and primary care in underserved and crisis-affected areas.
The project covers selected hospitals and primary health care centres in Upper Nile, Unity, Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal and Eastern Equatoria states. Work is expected to be completed and handed over to the government by March 2026.
Planned upgrades include building staff housing, expanding maternity wards, installing solar power systems, improving water and sanitation, refurbishing operating theatres and strengthening vaccine cold chain storage. These improvements aim to maintain essential health services during conflict, displacement and climate related shocks.
The programme is part of the Health Sector Transformation Project, led by the Ministry of Health, which focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure, efficient referral systems and better working conditions for frontline health workers.
UK Ambassador to South Sudan David Ashley said the funding would improve health services for mothers and children in seven states. The support forms part of broader UK aid to the health sector, including $26 million for the Health Sector Transformation Project. He also called on the government to increase domestic funding for health and basic services to reduce dependence on international assistance.
Ismail Kamil, UNICEF’s acting representative in South Sudan, said the investment would strengthen community services and health facilities, helping pregnant women, newborns and children access care even in difficult conditions.
UNICEF and the UK government reaffirmed their commitment to supporting South Sudan in building a more resilient and equitable primary health care system.
Planned Health Facility Upgrades
| Type of Upgrade | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|
| Staff housing | Improved living conditions for health workers |
| Maternity ward expansion | Better care for mothers and newborns |
| Solar power installation | Reliable electricity for essential services |
| Water and sanitation improvements | Safer and cleaner healthcare environments |
| Operating theatre refurbishment | Enhanced surgical capacity |
| Vaccine cold-chain strengthening | Safe storage and distribution of vaccines |