MP raises alarm over withdrawal of health assistance

YAMBIO — A member of South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly has raised concerns over the withdrawal of Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP) support from Kediba Health Facility, warning that the decision could undermine access to essential healthcare services in Mundri.

In February 2026, the Ministry of Health announced a scale-down of services in more than 100 health facilities nationwide following major reductions in donor funding for the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), a flagship reform initiative originally budgeted at $400 million.

Pita Joseline, the women’s representative for Mundri East County, described the move by the national Ministry of Health as troubling, saying it risks exposing already vulnerable communities to serious health challenges.

Many residents in the area rely heavily on services provided through donor-supported health programs due to limited alternatives.

She made the remarks on Thursday during funeral prayers in Mundri for the late Everesto Dari Gulice, where she called for urgent clarification from authorities on why facilities located in strategic areas were affected.

Pita said preliminary reports indicated that four health facilities—two in Mundri East and two in Mundri West—were initially designated for removal from the program.

However, a recent circular from the Mundri East County Health Directorate included the Kediba and Lakamadi facilities, raising further alarm among local leaders.

“According to the first report, four health facilities were affected—two in Mundri East and two in Mundri West. But in the recent circular we received, Kediba and Lakamadi were included, which has really scared us,” she said.

She stressed that Kediba Health Facility serves communities within the county headquarters and surrounding areas, making its removal from support particularly concerning.

She added that lawmakers are pushing for engagement at the national level.

“As I am speaking, some of our MPs in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly are preparing to meet the leadership of the national Ministry of Health over this issue. It is not acceptable to remove support from a facility serving the county headquarters,” she stated.

The changes also involve scaling down support to six hospitals and reducing incentive packages for health workers.

The decision has sparked fears among local communities and leaders that reduced funding and operational support could weaken service delivery, increase pressure on remaining facilities, and limit access to maternal care, emergency treatment, and disease management in rural parts of Western Equatoria.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed response regarding the specific status of the Kediba Health Facility as consultations continue.