As South Sudan joined the globe in commemorating World Aids Day on Friday, 1, December 2023, the US Embassy called upon the transitional government to increase its funding to the health sector to participate in what it says has been too long a donor-led effort to help meet the health needs of South Sudanese people.

This year’s theme, “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit,” pays tribute to the more than 40 million human lives lost to HIV/AIDS around the world.

It is also an opportunity to recommit to the global mission to end HIV/AIDS by 2030.

In a statement to Eye Radio newsroom, the US Embassy said, “The impact of the AIDS pandemic is profound, affecting millions of people, families, and entire communities around the world – including in South Sudan where only 200 health facilities across the country have the staff and resources needed to provide comprehensive care for the estimated 160,000 people living with HIV.”

It said, “In South Sudan, the U.S. Embassy and our partners work together to help strengthen the country’s fragile health system by providing resources and technical assistance to prevent new infections and help ensure people follow their treatments”.

However, the US Embassy called on South Sudan’s government to take center stage to provide for the health needs of its people.

‘”We call upon the transitional government to increase its funding to the health sector to participate in what has for far too long been a donor-led effort to help meet the South Sudanese people’s health needs,” it said.