The Norwegian Embassy in Juba signed a contribution of an additional funding of approximately 3.6 million USD to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiatives in South Sudan. Of this, the big portion of this funding is earmarked to addressing obstetric fistula, a devastating yet preventable condition.

South Sudan faces an alarming backlog of an estimated 60,000 cases of obstetric fistula requiring surgical intervention, with fewer than 1,000 individuals having received treatment. This additional funding will be a lifeline for countless women and girls, enabling them to regain their health, dignity, and independence.

“Through this additional funding we support the acceleration of efforts to ensure that women receive care with dignity to eliminate obstetric fistula in South Sudan,”  said H.E Roar Haugsdal, the Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan. “Sexual and reproductive health and rights are a cornerstone of Norway's global development priorities.”

In South Sudan, the Embassy’s support to the UNFPA Country Programme includes not only treatment for obstetric fistula but also preventive measures such as addressing child marriage and teenage pregnancy, awareness raising, treatment and after care, improving access to contraceptives, and revitalizing the National Taskforce on Fistula Management.

“UNFPA appreciate this funding which is timely to end the suffering of women and girls with obstetric fistula, restore their dignity, transform their lives and that of communities. Norway’s funding globally and in country towards SRHR initiatives highlights its long-standing commitment to this critical issue which is core to UNFPA mandate.” said Ms. Esperance Fundira, UNFPA Officer in Charge.

UNFPA in South Sudan and Norway have a long-standing partnership with financial support to all outputs of the country program of support to the Government of South Sudan. This initiative underscores the Embassy’s focus on protecting women and girls in fragile contexts where South Sudan is one of the countries affected by multiple climate shocks, prolonged conflicts, harmful social norms and with inadequate health
infrastructure.

By prioritizing their health and rights, UNFPA and Norway partnership aims to empower survivors with a second chance at a dignified life and contribute to sustainable development in South Sudan.