Humanitarian workers warn that ongoing conflict, disease outbreaks, and multiple crises in South Sudan are placing immense pressure on the country’s already fragile healthcare system. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), South Sudan’s healthcare infrastructure ranks among the weakest globally, struggling to meet the growing needs of its population.
In Upper Nile State, escalating violence has displaced tens of thousands of people, severely limiting access to medical care for those living in rural communities. This insecurity has forced many to flee their homes, making it difficult to reach health facilities for essential treatment and care.
Compounding these challenges, South Sudan is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak. Between September 2024 and April 2025, nearly 50,000 cholera cases were reported, resulting in 919 deaths. Zakaria Mwatiya, head of the Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) program in South Sudan, described the dire situation: “South Sudan faces multiple challenges – disease outbreaks, frequent flooding, widespread displacement, and now renewed conflict in the Upper Nile region. These factors have dramatically increased demand for healthcare services and interventions.”
The country also struggles with alarmingly high maternal and child mortality rates. Health officials have issued special warnings about the rising incidence of obstetric fistula, a childbirth complication linked to prolonged labor. This condition is a leading cause of maternal death and disability in South Sudan. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an estimated 60,000 women are waiting for surgical repair of obstetric fistula in the country, highlighting the severe backlog in essential maternal health services.
Dr. Anthony Lupai, director of Juba Teaching Hospital, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “The cholera outbreak is a clear sign that things are not going well. The increasing number of fistula cases also signals a serious health crisis.” He added, “You may have health centers and medical staff, but when people cannot reliably reach these facilities, they end up developing conditions like fistula.”
UN statistics reveal that approximately 90% of obstetric fistula cases lead to infant death, underscoring the devastating impact on families.
Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières reports that two-thirds of South Sudan’s healthcare facilities were not functioning properly in 2023, further reducing the already limited access to medical care.
In response to these escalating emergencies, the United Nations Emergency Fund announced a $10 million emergency aid package on Thursday. This funding aims to support the most vulnerable populations affected by the multiple crises unfolding in South Sudan, providing critical assistance to healthcare providers and humanitarian agencies working on the ground.
The combined effects of conflict, disease, and weak health infrastructure present a formidable challenge. Without sustained international support and improved security, South Sudan’s healthcare system risks further collapse, leaving millions without life-saving care.
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