Ministry of Health cuts support to over 100 facilities amid funding shortfall

JUBA – South Sudan’s health sector is facing a fresh strain after the government announced it will withdraw support from more than 100 health facilities across the country under the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), citing a major funding shortfall that threatens the sustainability of essential services.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Minister of Health Sarah Cleto Rial said the government had reviewed operations under the nationwide project and resolved to scale back assistance to 101 facilities to keep the programme running through June 2027.

Rial said the decision followed “difficult but necessary adjustments” driven by tightening budgets, global economic pressures, and reduced donor contributions.

“As part of this adjustment, support will be withdrawn from 101 health facilities that were assessed as having low functionality, security challenges, or being in proximity to other supported facilities,” she said.

The minister stressed that the HSTP remains a three-year roadmap designed to ensure all South Sudanese can access a basic package of essential health and nutrition services, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas. However, she acknowledged that current financial realities have forced the government and partners to prioritise life-saving interventions over broader services.

Since the project’s inception, the ministry has coordinated support for 1,158 health facilities nationwide, including four national referral hospitals and 11 state hospitals. Under the new measures, six hospitals will scale down selected non-core services while focusing resources on emergency care, medicines, frontline health workers, and direct patient treatment. Administrative spending and in-service training budgets will also be trimmed.

Lawmakers have already raised concerns about the impact on communities. Benjamin Malek Alier, chairperson of the specialised health committee in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, said complaints are emerging about hospital closures and reduced services in several states.

He revealed that the project was originally designed as a $400 million multi-donor investment but has secured only $216 million after several partners reduced or withdrew funding.

“The project was intended to run until 2027 with a total of $400 million. The government committed to contribute $10 million in phases, but donors managed to secure only $216 million. This has made the reductions unavoidable,” Malek said.

The HSTP is backed by several international partners, including the World Bank, Global Affairs Canada, the European Union, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Technical and operational support is provided by the United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

Health experts warn that the reductions could deepen access gaps, particularly in rural areas where many residents rely solely on publicly funded clinics. For thousands of families, the changes may mean longer travel distances, overcrowded hospitals, and delayed treatment.

Despite the setbacks, Rial said the ministry remains committed to protecting core health services and called on partners to mobilise additional resources to prevent further disruptions.

“Our priority is to save lives,” she said. “We must use what we have wisely while continuing to seek more support.”