South Sudan Vows to End Obstetric Fistula by 2030 in Renewed National Commitment
By Denilson Deneki
In a powerful display of unity and determination, South Sudan reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate obstetric fistula by 2030 during a ceremony at Juba Teaching Hospital commemorating the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula. The event brought together UNFPA South Sudan, the Ministry of Health, international partners, and civil society organizations to spotlight the urgent need for action against this preventable childbirth injury.
Under the theme “A Renewed Commitment to Ending Fistula in South Sudan by 2030,” the gathering aimed to amplify voices advocating for equitable maternal healthcare access and to highlight the devastating impact of obstetric fistula on women across the country.
Obstetric fistula results from prolonged, obstructed labor without timely medical intervention, leading to incontinence, infections, social isolation, and psychological trauma. The condition remains a major, yet preventable, health crisis in South Sudan, with an estimated 60,000 women living with untreated fistula and fewer than 1,000 having received surgical treatment.
“While our focus today is on obstetric fistula, the root causes—primarily prolonged obstructed labor—also lead to other serious childbirth injuries,” said Dr. Gillian Butts-Garnett, UNFPA Midwifery Specialist. “Many mothers lose their babies during traumatic births, and survivors face lifelong complications such as paralysis or cerebral palsy. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen our reproductive and maternal health systems.”
The event also highlighted Norway’s ongoing leadership and support in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in South Sudan. Ambassador Roar Haugsdal and Joyce Tata Diko from the Royal Norwegian Embassy reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to inclusive healthcare, announcing an additional USD 3.6 million in funding to UNFPA, including USD 2.2 million specifically targeted at ending obstetric fistula. This funding, announced during the close of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in December 2024, aims to accelerate treatment and prevention efforts.
“Through this support, we aim to ensure women can receive care with dignity,” Ambassador Haugsdal stated. “Sexual and reproductive health and rights are central to Norway’s development priorities.”
South Sudanese officials, including Dr. Yusuf Deng, Anthony Lupai, and Reverend Janet Michael, emphasized the importance of addressing underlying issues such as child marriage and early pregnancy. Reverend Janet Michael called for protecting girls through education and improved healthcare access, emphasizing that **“Ending fistula starts with ending child marriage.”
Norwegian support encompasses initiatives to prevent early pregnancies, expand contraceptive access, and strengthen the National Fistula Management Taskforce, ensuring a coordinated, sustained response across the nation.
As South Sudan joins the global community in observing this important day, the message is clear: obstetric fistula is a preventable and treatable condition. The nation’s renewed pledge underscores a collective desire to end the suffering of countless women and uphold their dignity and health by 2030.
