South Sudan Delegation Rallies Global Health Funders in Switzerland

(GENEVA) – Development cannot wait for South Sudan, a senior United Nations Development Programme official said during a strategic mission to Switzerland aimed at securing partnerships and resources amid continuing political, economic and humanitarian challenges in the country.

A high level UNDP South Sudan delegation, led by Resident Representative Dr Mohamed Abchir, travelled to Geneva to strengthen partnerships for development cooperation, resource mobilisation and innovative collaboration in support of South Sudan.

The delegation engaged with key partners including UNITAR, The Global Fund, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the UN in Geneva, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Embassy of South Sudan in Switzerland.

The engagements focused on advancing shared priorities for peace, governance and sustainable development.

A key outcome was a joint UNDP UNITAR Priority Action Plan covering inclusive dialogue and mediation, election preparedness, security, rule of law and justice, and increased participation of women and youth in peacebuilding.

The mission also reinforced discussions on strengthening health systems, including HIV and TB responses, while emphasising integration, efficiency, sustainability and national ownership amid shrinking global financing.

Through global platforms, UNDP set out its work in peacebuilding, governance reform, community violence reduction, climate resilience, durable solutions and public financial management.

UNDP said it remains committed to working with partners at all levels to advance peace, resilience and sustainable development as South Sudan looks ahead to its next phase of development.

The Geneva mission follows a visit last week by UNDP, the Government of South Sudan and US Ambassador Michael J. Adler to the country’s Infectious Disease Unit.

With an Ebola outbreak in the region, assessing readiness and identifying gaps at the primary isolation facility was described as critical as South Sudan enhances its preparedness and response capabilities.

During the visit, the Ambassador set out the United States’ strong commitment to pandemic response and health security. The partners said they are committed to strengthening health systems and pandemic preparedness across the country.