Strengthening cooperation with International Health Partners is Key

By Agar Mayor Gai-Makoon

As South Sudan welcomes a new Minister of Health, the moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The country’s health system continues to face immense pressures ranging from recurring disease outbreaks and maternal mortality to the persistent gaps in infrastructure and workforce. However, amid these challenges lies a powerful foundation: a network of longstanding agreements and partnerships with international health organizations and donors. The new minister should seize this opportunity to build on these existing commitments and cultivate a strong, cordial relationship with global health partners.

Over the years, South Sudan has entered into a range of agreements designed to strengthen its health system through international collaboration. One of the most prominent is the Health Pooled Fund (HPF) partnership, supported by several donor governments including the United Kingdom, Canada, Sweden, the European Union, and others. This initiative has played a vital role in financing primary health care services across multiple states, supporting health facilities, supplying medicines, and training frontline health workers. For millions of South Sudanese, HPF-supported facilities represent the most accessible source of essential care.

Equally significant is South Sudan’s collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Through formal cooperation frameworks and emergency response agreements, WHO has supported the Ministry of Health in disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and response mechanisms. From cholera and measles outbreaks to the constant vigilance required to prevent Ebola spillover from neighbouring countries, WHO’s technical expertise has helped strengthen the country’s public health defences. Continued cordial engagement with WHO will ensure that this critical technical partnership remains strong and responsive.

The government’s partnership with UNICEF also stands as a cornerstone of health sector cooperation. Through joint programming agreements with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF has helped expand immunization campaigns, maternal and child health services, and nutrition interventions. These programs have been essential in reaching vulnerable communities, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas where health services are often limited. By sustaining a positive working relationship with UNICEF, the ministry can continue expanding life-saving programs for children and mothers.

Another important collaboration is the Global Fund partnership, which supports South Sudan’s response to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Through grants implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Health and local partners, the Global Fund has enabled large-scale distribution of malaria treatment and prevention tools, supported TB diagnostics, and expanded HIV testing and treatment services. These programs are not only saving lives but also strengthening laboratory capacity and disease monitoring systems within the country.

In addition, the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance partnership has helped South Sudan expand routine immunization coverage and introduce new vaccines. Through its agreements with the government, Gavi has provided financial and technical support to strengthen cold chain systems, improve vaccine delivery, and increase immunization access across the country. For a nation where preventable childhood diseases remain a serious threat, maintaining this partnership is crucial.

For the new health minister, these agreements represent more than financial support. They represent trust and shared responsibility. Each partnership reflects years of cooperation, negotiation, and mutual commitment between South Sudan and the international community. Preserving and strengthening these relationships will require proactive engagement, transparent governance, and consistent coordination.

One of the most effective ways the minister can reinforce these partnerships is by strengthening coordination within the Ministry of Health. Regular consultations with donors, implementing partners, and UN agencies can help ensure that programs align with national priorities and avoid duplication. Clear communication and accountability will reassure partners that their support is being used effectively to benefit the people of South Sudan.

Equally important is maintaining a spirit of mutual respect. International partners bring valuable resources and expertise, but the ministry must remain firmly in the driver’s seat. By clearly defining national health priorities whether in primary health care expansion, workforce development, or disease prevention, the minister can guide partners toward investments that strengthen the entire health system rather than fragmented projects.

Diplomacy and openness will also be critical. Differences in operational approaches or expectations are inevitable in complex partnerships. Addressing these challenges through constructive dialogue rather than confrontation will preserve goodwill and ensure continued collaboration.

South Sudan’s health sector cannot be rebuilt in isolation. The scale of the challenges notably from fragile infrastructure to limited resources, requires sustained international cooperation. Fortunately, the country already has a solid platform of agreements and partnerships upon which to build.

The new minister now has the opportunity to transform these relationships into even stronger alliances. By nurturing cordial ties with partners such as WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund, Gavi, and the Health Pooled Fund consortium, the ministry can accelerate progress toward a more resilient health system.

Ultimately, effective partnerships will translate into stronger hospitals, better-trained health workers, reliable medicine supplies, and healthier communities. And that say, strengthening cooperation with international health partners is not simply a diplomatic necessity, it is a vital step toward safeguarding the health and future of South Sudan.

The writer can be reached on +201129107334, or thieng.thiengwada@gmail.com.