Sweden grants USD 8. 4 million to UNFPA to enhance healthcare in South Sudan

Own Correspondent

The government of Sweden and UNFPA have agreed to contribute around 90 million Swedish Krona (equivalent to USD 8. 4 million) towards the implementation of UNFPA’s 4th Country Program, which supports the South Sudan government.

Dr Demola Olajide, the UNFPA Representative, expressed gratitude for the Swedish Government’s aid in enhancing maternal and newborn healthcare, family planning, and tackling gender-based violence in South Sudan.

“This generous contribution from the Government and people of Sweden continues to support the implementation of interventions to provide integrated sexual and reproductive health services in the country, especially improving the well-being of women, girls and young people” said Dr Demola Olajide,
UNFPA Representative

The financial support is directed towards the enhancement of reproductive health initiatives and the mitigation of gender-related abuse.

“Our support aims to contribute to the vision that every woman, girl, and youth in South Sudan should be able to enjoy sexual and reproductive health and rights of high quality, increased equality between women and men and that gender-related violence, including child marriage, decreases” Mr. Tomas Brundin, Head of the Office

South Sudan still faces numerous developmental hurdles, hence the need for a strong strategy to address GBV and other Sexual Reproductive Health needs, both in terms of prevention and response.

Since 2013, UNFPA has valued Sweden’s contribution as a crucial collaborator. The country’s aid has had a significant influence on UNFPA’s efforts to achieve its transformative objectives in South Sudan, particularly in the areas of reducing maternal fatalities, increasing access to family planning, combating gender-based violence, and combating detrimental practices like child marriages.