Unity State Enhances Reproductive Health Services with UNFPA–KOICA Partnership to Save Lives and Build Resilience

By Denilson Deneki,
November 6, 2025 | Bentiu, Unity State

The women and girls in Unity State are experiencing a significant boost in access to lifesaving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, thanks to a new initiative supported by UNFPA and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The three-year, $4.5 million project aims to strengthen maternal health, family planning, and responses to gender-based violence (GBV) amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Despite persistent insecurity and environmental hardships, access to reproductive health services in Unity State has markedly improved, according to Mr. Michael Guo Puot, Acting Director for Reproductive Health. “The situation was very bad before. Women could not reach health facilities because of insecurity, poor roads, and long distances,” he explained. “Now, things have changed. When a pregnant woman experiences complications, we can send a boat or vehicle to bring her to the facility. This has reduced maternal deaths compared to before.”

The State Reproductive Health Department, with UNFPA’s support, continues to deliver integrated SRH services and emergency care across the region. The recent project launch underscores a renewed commitment to safeguarding women’s health and dignity in crisis-affected communities.

The initiative, titled “Saving Lives, Fostering Resilience,” is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Health. Funded by KOICA, it seeks to address the dire health needs of women and girls impacted by insecurity and climate shocks, which disproportionately hinder their access to essential services.

“Accessibility to healthcare, especially life-saving services, remains a challenge in affected areas of South Sudan, putting the lives of many women and girls at high risk,” said a UNFPA official during the launch. “We thank KOICA for their generous support, which will help scale up health and protection services for the well-being of women and girls.”

The project, valued at USD 4.5 million, will run from 2024 to 2027, supporting programs in Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile States. It is implemented by Health Link South Sudan and Cordaid, in partnership with local government authorities.

Accessibility issues continue to pose hurdles, with some villages such as Kaljak, Nianti, Naurangwar, Panjan, and Top only reachable by boat or canoe, especially during the rainy season. “These places are isolated,” Mr. Guo Puot noted. “Sometimes, it takes hours for a boat to bring a woman in labor to the nearest health center. But even with these challenges, the situation is better now not like before.”

Improved security has allowed health workers to expand outreach efforts, conduct mobile clinics, and distribute essential reproductive health kits to hard-to-reach communities.

Gender-based violence remains a critical concern, with 371 cases reported recently, involving women, girls, men, and boys. Mr. Guo Puot emphasized ongoing efforts to combat GBV, noting, “Some cases result from domestic violence or rape during community conflicts. We continue to educate people that equality starts at home, men and women must share responsibilities.”

He also highlighted the government’s strengthened justice mechanisms for GBV survivors and assured that perpetrators are being prosecuted.

Mr. Guo Puot called on men to support their wives and daughters in accessing family planning services, emphasizing that reproductive health is a fundamental right. “Family planning is not a crime; it is a treatment,” he stated. “We advise men not to stop their wives from using contraceptives. It’s about health, not shame.”

He noted that more couples now understand the benefits of family planning and condom use, which also help prevent sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Mr. Guo praised UNFPA’s role in equipping health facilities, deploying mobile clinics, and training midwives and health workers. “Their support has been instrumental in saving lives and fostering resilience across Unity State,” he affirmed.

As the project advances, hopes remain high that continued efforts will ensure safer, healthier futures for women and girls in Unity State, even amid ongoing challenges.