The three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on June 25 between the United States and South Sudan’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU), is part of Washington’s America First Global Health Strategy.

Under the agreement, the United States, through its Department of State and in collaboration with Congress, plans to provide more than $146 million to support disease prevention efforts, including HIV/AIDS and other emerging health threats. South Sudan, in turn, has committed to using its own public resources to strengthen its health system.

The government’s contribution will go toward essential services such as clinical care, payment of health workers, and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including vaccine cold chain systems. The agreement also requires transparent reporting and joint accountability mechanisms.

Officials say the deal is designed to improve health system sustainability and enhance the country’s ability to respond quickly to disease outbreaks. Both sides have agreed on performance measures to track progress and ensure that funding reaches intended beneficiaries.

The MoU further aims to boost South Sudan’s capacity for early detection and response to epidemics, targeting response within seven days of any outbreak. The agreement comes at a time when the region faces potential health risks, including Ebola outbreaks in neighboring countries.

According to the United States, the agreement also introduces a more accountable model of global health assistance, with increased emphasis on shared responsibility and measurable outcomes.

South Sudan is among more than 30 countries that have signed similar global health agreements with the United States, representing a combined commitment of over $20.8 billion in health funding worldwide.