South Sudan has received a $3.2 million funding package from the Government of Norway to support efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula and strengthen sexual and reproductive health services across the country.
The contribution, equivalent to NOK 30 million, will be implemented through the United Nations Population Fund, as part of ongoing collaboration aimed at addressing one of the country’s most persistent maternal health challenges.
Obstetric fistula, a preventable childbirth injury caused by prolonged and obstructed labour without timely medical care, continues to affect thousands of women and girls in South Sudan.
Health experts estimate that as many as 60,000 women may be living with untreated fistula, underlining gaps in access to emergency obstetric services, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.
According to officials, the funding will be split between flexible programme support and targeted interventions.
About NOK 10 million will go toward broader reproductive health programming under UNFPA’s Fourth Country Programme, while the remaining NOK 20 million is earmarked for specific activities, including surgical repair, post-operative care, and community-based prevention efforts.
Speaking at a signing ceremony in Juba, Norway’s ambassador to South Sudan, Roar Haugsdal, said the initiative is intended to accelerate progress towards eliminating fistula cases in the country.
“We hope this support will help address the backlog of cases and move closer to the goal of zero fistula,” he said, noting that the programme also aims to restore dignity and improve quality of life for affected women.
The programme will also focus on prevention by addressing underlying risk factors such as early marriage and teenage pregnancy, while expanding access to family planning services and skilled birth attendance.
The acting country representative of UNFPA in South Sudan, Innocent Modisaotsile, said the funding would help scale up services in underserved areas.
“These investments are translating into real impact saving lives and restoring dignity for women and girls affected by obstetric fistula,” he said.
UNFPA reports that more than 500 women and girls underwent fistula repair surgery in South Sudan in 2025, reflecting gradual progress in tackling the condition despite ongoing challenges in the health system.
Norway has been a longstanding supporter of global sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes, committing hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.
Officials say the latest funding aligns with broader international efforts to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly in fragile settings.
While the new support is expected to expand access to treatment and prevention, health experts caution that sustained investment and improvements in healthcare infrastructure will be needed to eliminate fistula entirely.
