From Holiday Lights to Sobering Reality: Reflections on Health Progress in South Sudan

As the holiday season settles over Juba, there’s a palpable sense of hope and renewal. The city’s holiday decorations—ranging from vibrant lights to a festive, holiday-themed billboard at the airport—offer a cheerful contrast to the challenges that persist in South Sudan. This time of year, more than any other, brings people together in a spirit of generosity and resilience, reminding all of us that progress, no matter how incremental, is still possible.

My recent visit to Juba was as much about reconnecting with the community as it was about evaluating ongoing initiatives. The warmth and hospitality I encountered—whether chatting with colleagues over a cup of coffee by the Nile or exchanging greetings with visitors at the AFEX Camp —was a testament to the strength and perseverance of the South Sudanese people. Here, amid the hum of everyday life, committed local organizations are quietly improving health outcomes community-by-community and improving the lives of countless families.

I had the privilege of meeting with several local civil society organizations that are making a remarkable difference on the ground. Each of these organizations brings a unique perspective and set of capabilities to the table, working tirelessly to address critical health issues such as the delivery of HIV/AIDS services. Their dedication goes beyond simply offering medical care; it extends to building trust in communities that have been through periods of intense upheaval, civil war, and uncertainty. They listen to local voices, adapt their strategies to fit the community context, and strive to create very basic health systems that are truly people-centered.

Of all the international partners I met, one in particular stood out: Save the Children. Having been in South Sudan for three decades, Save the Children has never retreated, even as conflict and instability tested all humanitarian and development organizations. They remained a steadfast partner, working at the community level to ensure that children, mothers, and families receive the care and support they need. This commitment, in the face of extraordinary difficulties, reflects a profound understanding of South Sudan’s social fabric. It’s a recognition that genuine progress often comes from the communities themselves, with some support from the international community.

As I reflect on these experiences, I can’t help but draw connections to the work USAID has been doing in Uganda over the past few decades. In Uganda, long-term partnerships and integrated approaches have proved crucial to achieving sustainable development outcomes. URC has been at the forefront with USAID of designing and implementing these integrated methods—approaches that combine the technical rigor of global health interventions with the nuanced understanding of local contexts and priorities. It’s this blend of technical expertise and local insight that yields lasting improvements in health systems. In South Sudan, we see a similar potential: to move beyond fragmented interventions and embrace integrated, holistic solutions. Our role, as URC, is to help bring these lessons from Uganda, from other African countries, and from across the globe to South Sudan, partnering with local actors to tailor strategies that will genuinely benefit communities.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that URC is planning to host a virtual conference in the early new year. This gathering will bring together partners and stakeholders from South Sudan, Uganda, and elsewhere to share their experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in strengthening health systems. It’s an opportunity for collective reflection and forward-thinking—a chance to revisit the challenges, celebrate the successes, and chart a more resilient path forward. By facilitating this exchange, we hope to identify innovative approaches that not only address pressing issues like HIV/AIDS and maternal health but also incorporate emerging priorities such as mental health, community empowerment, and the use of technology and data-driven solutions.

In many ways, South Sudan is at a crossroads: The peace is very fragile, governance challenges remain, and climate and economic pressures are constant. Yet, the hope and determination of local organizations, the commitment of international partners, and the long-term supportive offered by donors like USAID remind us that progress is possible. As we move into the holiday season, we find renewed inspiration to keep working towards a healthier future.

With this in mind, our upcoming conference aims to bring together the collective experience of donors, implementing partners, local organizations, and government stakeholders to ensure that health services expand and reach more communities.

Stay tuned.