Kolnyang PHCC’s cracked maternity ward, one of the health facilities slated for reconstruction under the new programme. January 5, 2026 JUBA

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with support from the United Kingdom, has begun the construction and rehabilitation of health facilities across South Sudan.

UNICEF and the UK government, through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), said the initiative will target health facilities in several states, according to a statement extended to Eye Radio.

The statement said the project is part of a six-month programme titled “Building Resilient Primary Health Care Systems: Community Health and Health Facility Support in South Sudan.”

The programme aims to improve access to quality maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition services in some of the country’s most underserved and crisis-affected areas.

UNICEF and the UK said a number of rehabilitated and newly constructed facilities are expected to be completed and officially handed over to the Government of South Sudan by March 2026.

The project will support selected hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in several states, including Upper Nile, Unity, Jonglei, Lakes, Warrap, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Eastern Equatoria.

According to the statement, the work includes building staff quarters, expanding maternity wards, installing solar power, setting up water and sanitation systems, refurbishing operating theatres, and developing cold chain storage for the Expanded Immunisation Programme.

The UK Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, said the latest support will help improve essential health services for mothers and children in seven states.

He said the funding is part of continued UK support to the health sector in South Sudan.

“The United Kingdom has resolutely supported the people of South Sudan with health care assistance since independence. This latest UK contribution will improve essential health services for mothers and children in seven states across South Sudan. It is part of a wider package of UK support to the health sector in South Sudan that includes USD26 million to the Health Sector,” Ambassador Ashley said.

Ismail Kamil, Acting UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, said investment in the health system is critical to strengthening community health services and improving access to care for women and children.

“This investment is crucial for South Sudan’s health system. By boosting community services via the Boma Health Initiative and enhancing health facility infrastructure, we are supporting pregnant women, newborns, and children in accessing vital care even in tough situations,” he said.

The UK said the funding is part of a wider package of support to South Sudan’s health sector, which includes USD26 million to the Health Sector Transformation Project, as well as additional support for the Boma Health Initiative and sexual and reproductive health services.