Health

South Sudan Has Two Years of HIV Drugs Left

Published

3 weeks ago

April 15, 2025

South Sudan Has Two Years of HIV Drugs Left

South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission Announces Sufficient ART Drugs

The South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission has announced that the country has enough Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) drugs to last for the next two years. This news comes as a relief, contrary to a World Health Organization (WHO) assessment that the country could run out of the lifesaving medication in just one month.

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WHO Warning

In March 2025, the WHO warned that South Sudan was among 8 countries in the world that could run out of ARV drugs in the coming month due to disruption in the global HIV program. The agency’s global director of HIV, Dr. Meg Doherty, listed Kenya, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Lesotho, South Sudan, Haiti, and Ukraine as the affected nations. The Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the disruption in the HIV program could undo 20 years of progress, leading to a potential rise in prevalence and fatality.

Current Situation in South Sudan

However, addressing the media in Juba on Tuesday, April 15, South Sudan HIV/AIDs Commission Chairperson Dr. Esterina Novelo clarified that the U.S. foreign aid cut has not caused a significant impact, as the Global Fund will continue donating HIV drugs for the next two years. "The current global fund project that we are implementing through which we procure drugs for malaria, TB, and HIV is ending in 2026. So we have like two years to go from now," she said.

Healthcare Services

Dr. Esterina further narrated that health workers have resumed operations in their designated facilities, and encouraged people living with the illness to visit clinics and take their drugs. "The reason why we are having this conference is to inform our clients, all the people living with HIV, to go back and access the services they used to access. We have the drugs available, the doctors are there, the nurses are there," Esterina continued. "All the services are provided on a daily basis. They should not shy away from going to the hospital because some of them still have that phobia when they found the clinics closed, that it means it’s not functioning. We have opened them and they are functioning fully and they should access their treatment without any interruption."

Community Interventions

Meanwhile, Dr. Esterina said the commission has set up community interventions through volunteers working as monitoring staff and refilling the drugs for those who are unable to come to the hospital. She said the volunteers also provide care to those too ill to visit clinics.

Challenges Ahead

On his part, Peter Garang Ngor, Executive Director for Network of Aids and Health Service organization of South Sudan (NASOSS), revealed that only 200 out of over 1,000 health facilities in South Sudan have HIV services. Garang also noted that little programs have been initiated to reach everybody to test and know their HIV status across the country. "We still have a vast number of populations in this country that do not know what HIV is, they don’t test HIV services, that are just left. They don’t protect themselves from HIV."

Call to Action

The Deputy Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS Commission, Dr. Achol Ayom, appealed to the national government to utilize the country’s resources to support the health sector instead of relying on foreign aids. "The government must increase the budget of HIV commission, to increase the budget of health center. It’s like education, because education is part of us too." Dr. Ayom emphasized the need for the government to take ownership of the health sector and reduce dependence on foreign aid.

Regional HIV/AIDS Infection Rates

The AIDS commission further revealed that Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Jonglei, and Western Bahr el Ghazal are leading in HIV/AIDS infection rates.

Impact of US Foreign Aid Cut

Following President Donald Trump’s executive order in January 2025 suspending all foreign aids from his country, the U.S. Department of State sent ‘stop work’ orders to staff and contractors of USAID around the world. Among key organizations affected by the temporary pause is the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has been crucial in supporting vulnerable countries in fighting the pandemic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the WHO warned of a potential shortage of ARV drugs in South Sudan, the country’s HIV/AIDS Commission has announced that there are sufficient drugs to last for the next two years. However, the commission and other stakeholders have emphasized the need for the government to take ownership of the health sector and reduce dependence on foreign aid. With the right interventions and support, South Sudan can continue to make progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of those living with the disease.

Health

MSF coordinator recounts strike at Old Fangak hospital

Published

15 hours ago

May 9, 2025

Peter James

MSF coordinator recounts strike at Old Fangak hospital

MSF Hospital in Old Fangak: A Heartbreaking Attack

The Day of the Attack

David Charo Kahindi, MSF’s Medical Coordinator in South Sudan, was in Old Fangak the day the hospital was bombed. He was part of the team extinguishing the fire and treating and evacuating the wounded patients.

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Helicopters flying overhead
Patients and staff in danger
Bombing lasted for about an hour

Desperate Efforts to Save the Hospital

As soon as the bombing quieted, David rushed to the hospital to find chaos and destruction.

The pharmacy was on fire.

Everyone, including the community, tried to extinguish the flames, fearing a second explosion. The intent was clear—total destruction.

Buckets of water used to put out the fire
Fuel tanks nearby added to the danger
Five hours to fully extinguish the flames

Heartbreaking Discoveries Inside the Hospital

Inside the hospital, David found a scene of devastation.

No patients in the wards
Stabilizing new patients with limited supplies
Evacuating patients to a safer village

Continued Efforts and Support

With thousands fleeing to the same village, the team faced overwhelming challenges.

We pray there are no more wounded, but we continue to hear of bombing in nearby areas.

Urgent request for medical supplies
Support from the United Nations
Keeping a health post running from a single tent

A Lifeline Lost

The hospital in Old Fangak was more than just a building—it was a lifeline for the community.

Today, there is nothing left. Hospitals should never be targets. I utterly condemn this attack.

Cholera kills 4 in one week in Upper Nile’s Akoka. Yau Yau urges the public to embrace elections and beware of false promises.

Health

60,000 children at risk of starvation in Upper Nile due to fighting disrupting aid supply routes: UN

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2025

Peter James

60,000 children at risk of starvation in Upper Nile due to fighting disrupting aid supply routes: UN

Children in Upper Nile at Risk of Starvation Amid Violence

Introduction

More than 60,000 malnourished children in Upper Nile state are facing the threat of starvation by the end of May due to violence blocking humanitarian routes and dwindling treatment supplies, according to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF.

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Escalating Crisis

Violence in Upper Nile has led to the death of hundreds and displacement of 125,000 people.
The main humanitarian supply corridor along the White Nile river has been cut off.
Over 300,000 children in Upper Nile are affected by malnutrition.

Impact of Conflict

The ongoing conflict has not only disrupted the supply of essential aid but also heightened the risk of waterborne diseases and increased food insecurity, exacerbating the already dire situation for children in the region.

Urgent Appeal

WFP and UNICEF warn that vital nutrition supplies will run out by the end of May without immediate access and resupply.
Life-saving treatment programs for malnourished children are at risk of halting.
Security concerns have prevented the prepositioning of supplies in insecure areas.

Challenges and Consequences

Looting and Disruption

Almost 2,000 cartons of nutrition supplies have been looted in Upper Nile, depriving thousands of children of essential treatment and recovery.

Unprecedented Measures

WFP and UNICEF have been forced to hold back supplies due to ongoing fighting and looting, risking a catastrophic shortage by the end of May.

Call for Action

Both agencies emphasize the urgent need for safe delivery routes to prevent the devastating consequences of interrupted treatment and potential loss of lives among the most vulnerable children in Upper Nile.

Conclusion

As the crisis in Upper Nile escalates, the lives of thousands of malnourished children hang in the balance. Immediate action is needed to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential aid to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in the region.

Health

Ministry of Health gives green light for establishment of inaugural cancer department

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2025

Peter James

Ministry of Health gives green light for establishment of inaugural cancer department

South Sudan Approves Creation of First Oncology Department

The National Ministry of Health’s Milestone Decision

The National Ministry of Health in South Sudan has made a groundbreaking move by approving the creation of the country’s first oncology department. This decision marks a significant step towards integrating cancer care into the national healthcare system, a crucial development for addressing the growing burden of cancer in the country.

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Key Highlights of the Decision

Acting Minister of Health, James Hoth Mai, approved the initiative during a meeting with the South Sudan Cancer Network (SSCN).
Minister Hoth Mai pledged full support for the establishment of the oncology department and directed technical teams to begin the setup process.
Dr. Albino Amum Awin, Director of Cancer Center Services, emphasized the importance of including cancer treatment in the national health policy.

Addressing the Growing Cancer Burden

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cancer cases in South Sudan has been on the rise, with an estimated 9,854 cases and 7,539 deaths reported in 2015. By 2025, these numbers are expected to increase to 13,325 cases and 10,233 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cancer care services in the country.

Despite the increasing burden of cancer, access to treatment within the public healthcare system has been limited, forcing many patients to seek care abroad. The establishment of the oncology department will bridge this gap and provide much-needed support to cancer patients across South Sudan.

Collaboration and Support for Cancer Care

The South Sudan Cancer Network (SSCN), comprised of 11 specialized oncologists, has been at the forefront of efforts to improve cancer care in the country. The organization works closely with communities, government agencies, NGOs, and international partners to enhance cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment initiatives.

In February 2024, the Ministry of Health in South Sudan partnered with the U.S.-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to collaborate on raising awareness and gathering data on cancer in the country. This collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges of cancer care in resource-constrained settings.

Looking Towards a Brighter Future

The approval of South Sudan’s first oncology department represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat cancer and improve healthcare outcomes for its population. With a dedicated focus on cancer prevention, awareness, and treatment, the new department will play a crucial role in expanding access to quality care for cancer patients nationwide.

As the Ministry of Health moves forward with the integration of cancer services into its structure and budget planning, there is hope for a brighter future for individuals affected by cancer in South Sudan. Through continued collaboration, advocacy, and investment in healthcare infrastructure, the country is poised to make significant strides in the fight against cancer and improve the well-being of its citizens.