South Sudan’s Urgent Call to Action on HIV Prevention

On November 12, 2024, South Sudan held a High-Level National Dialogue on HIV Prevention, engaging government leaders, UN representatives, and civil society to reinforce the country’s efforts towards ending HIV by 2030. With approximately 140,000 people living with HIV and 8,100 new cases in 2023, the event underscored the urgency of strengthened HIV prevention, collaboration, and sustainable funding.

His Excellency, Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, guest of honor, emphasized the importance of prevention, advocating for public awareness campaigns, community mobilization, and initiatives targeting high-risk groups such as women, youth, and those in conflict-affected areas. He stressed the need to combat stigma, which obstructs access to HIV services, and encouraged fostering supportive environments for open HIV dialogue.

Honorable Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng highlighted a need for less dependence on external donors and urged country leadership, funding and ownership for local and targeted interventions. She stressed integration, and that changing donor funding policies could help better meet evolving HIV needs, especially considering challenges like climate change that impact service accessibility.

The United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General Kiki Gbeho noted the high HIV burden on adolescent girls and vulnerable populations. She advocated for improved data collection and sharing “not documented, is not done” a “back-to-basics” approach, with a focus on regular HIV testing, education to reduce stigma, and an inclusive environment that removes social and legal barriers for marginalized groups. Integrating HIV prevention into other sectors, including education and agriculture, she emphasized, could create a more sustainable response.

Key action areas identified during the dialogue included enhancing awareness, creating enabling environments, integrating HIV services across sectors, and securing sustainable funding. South Sudan’s dependence on international donors, funding over 90% of HIV initiatives, highlighted the need for diversified funding sources and increased government investment. Improved data collection, given that the last survey was conducted in 2010, was also prioritized for effective intervention planning and resource allocation.

The dialogue underscored South Sudan’s commitment to its HIV response goals and the need for political commitment and cross-sector collaboration. The government, civil society, and international partners remain aligned on transforming these commitments into action, aiming to end AIDS by 2030.