Norwegian Ambassador Roar Haugsdal and UNFPA Country Representative a.i, Ms. Esperance Fundira signed the grant agreement for supporting Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights initiatives and combating Obstetric Fistula in South Sudan. Photo: Norwegian Embassy.

The Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan has announced that his government is committing an additional $3.6 million to tackle critical health challenges impacting women and girls in the country.

In a statement shared with Eye Radio, the funds were allocated to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiatives in the country.

The announcement was made by the Norwegian Embassy in Juba on International Human Rights Day, coinciding with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

According to the statement, approximately 2.2 million USD is designated to tackle obstetric fistula, a devastating yet preventable condition affecting thousands of women in South Sudan.

The Norwegian government stated that South Sudan is currently facing a staggering backlog of around 60,000 cases of obstetric fistula, with fewer than 1,000 individuals having received the necessary treatment.

It says this additional funding will provide life-changing medical care for many women and girls, restoring their health, dignity, and independence.

Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Roar Haugsdal, emphasized the importance of the funding in advancing efforts to address obstetric fistula.

“Through this additional funding, we support the acceleration of efforts to ensure that women receive care with dignity to eliminate obstetric fistula in South Sudan,” he stated. “Sexual and reproductive health and rights are a cornerstone of Norway’s global development priorities.”

The statement stated that Norway’s commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights extends beyond South Sudan.

The Norwegian government has allocated approximately 858 million USD for global Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights initiatives between 2020 and 2025, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to addressing these critical issues.

In South Sudan, the funding will not only support treatment for obstetric fistula but will also focus on preventive measures, including addressing child marriage, and teenage pregnancy, improving access to contraceptives, and revitalizing the National Taskforce on Fistula Management.

Aligned with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, this initiative reflects Norway’s focus on protecting women and girls, particularly in fragile contexts like South Sudan.

By prioritizing their health and rights, Norway seeks to empower survivors of obstetric fistula with a second chance at life and contribute to the country’s long-term development.