The UNFPA South Sudan Country Office held an open house event at the UN House in Juba to highlight the transformative outcomes of its programs in maternal health, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, family planning, youth development, population data, and gender equality.
The event brought together partners, donors, and stakeholders to promote awareness and sustainable development in South Sudan.
In her remarks, Dr. Idyoro J. Ojukwu, Vice President of the Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan, called for continued focus on maternal health, noting that the number of qualified obstetricians has grown from 15 in 2011 to 69 today.
However, Dr. Idyoro emphasized that maternal mortality remains a critical issue, urging doctors to increase their efforts on the ground. “We must reduce maternal mortality on the ground; our women need care that they are not yet receiving,” she said, encouraging her colleagues to dedicate extra time to frontline services.
The Chairperson of the National Bureau of Statistics, Augustino Ting Mayai, praised UNFPA’s support in promoting sexual and reproductive health, stating that its contributions are vital in advancing policies that protect vulnerable groups.
He emphasized the importance of reliable data for governance and service delivery, noting that UNFPA’s support strengthens South Sudan’s statistical systems, benefiting future policy-making.
UNFPA Country Representative Sarah Masale reflected on the organization’s humanitarian work, emphasizing its impact on young women, adolescents, and other vulnerable populations. “This exhibit tells stories of resilience, hope, and progress amidst challenging circumstances,” Masale shared, adding that there is more to be done to protect and empower women and girls.
Canadian Head of Cooperation Michael Rymek reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting UNFPA’s mission in South Sudan, particularly in expanding access to sexual and reproductive health and strengthening midwifery services.
“Canada has been a partner with UNFPA for over a decade, dedicated to improving health outcomes for women, girls, and communities,” he noted.
UN Police Commissioner Christine Fossen highlighted the progress made in ensuring rights for women and girls, particularly in challenging settings. “UNFPA’s efforts empower the most vulnerable, enabling women and girls to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” she said.
The event illustrated UNFPA’s critical role in addressing health and rights issues in South Sudan and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to achieve sustainable development for all
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