Cuts in donor funding and humanitarian withdrawals are weakening South Sudan’s healthcare system, leaving patients to travel long distances and reach hospitals with preventable conditions. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, functioning primary healthcare centres and units fell from 131 to 63 by January 2026. This significant decline has resulted in 71 facility closures, including the health centre serving Abuk Athak’s village.
The closure of these healthcare facilities has had a devastating impact on patients, particularly in rural areas. Abuk walked for two hours while in labour to reach Aweil State Hospital after the nearby center closed in February 2025. Fortunately, her baby survived. Eighteen months later, she returned with her son, Rau, who weighed six kilograms and was suffering from severe malaria and moderate acute malnutrition. Abuk expressed her concerns about the financial burden of traveling to access healthcare.
MSF reports that admissions at Aweil State Hospital increased by 44 per cent between January and September 2026 compared with 2025. Admissions of children under five with severe acute malnutrition rose by 47 per cent, while deliveries with complications increased by 35 per cent. These statistics highlight the growing need for healthcare services in the region. As a result, patients are being forced to wait until the last moment to seek medical attention due to travel costs.
The situation is further complicated by conflict and funding shortfalls in other parts of the country. In Akobo, Jonglei State, fighting in March 2026 led to the looting of Akobo Teaching Hospital. Although MSF resumed emergency activities in May, the hospital’s operating theatre remains closed. This has resulted in fatal consequences, as seen in the case of Nyamuoch Geng, an eight-months-pregnant woman who died on 29 August due to severe bleeding following childbirth.
Nyamuoch Geng’s family carried her for two and a half hours to Akobo Hospital because their health unit had closed. Unfortunately, an emergency evacuation flight did not arrive in time, resulting in her death. MSF attributes this tragedy to the lack of healthcare facilities and funding cuts. The organization warns that if funding is not sustained, communities risk being left without healthcare, leading to avoidable deaths.
The impact of funding cuts on healthcare services in South Sudan is evident. Patients are being forced to travel long distances, and hospitals are experiencing increased admissions. MSF is calling for sustained support to prevent avoidable deaths and ensure that communities have access to essential healthcare services. The organization is working to resume emergency activities and provide lifesaving care to patients in need.
In conclusion, the decline in donor funding and humanitarian support has severely weakened South Sudan’s healthcare system. Patients are facing significant challenges in accessing healthcare services, and hospitals are struggling to cope with the increased demand. To prevent further tragedies, it is essential that funding is sustained, and support is provided to ensure that communities have access to essential healthcare services.
Key points
- Cuts in donor funding have resulted in the closure of 71 healthcare facilities in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
- Admissions at Aweil State Hospital have increased by 44 per cent between January and September 2026 compared with 2025.
- MSF warns that funding cuts risk leaving communities without healthcare, leading to avoidable deaths.
