Amid Crisis and Conflict: Supporting South Sudan’s Struggle for Resilience and Healthcare

Since the end of South Sudan’s civil war, the nation has faced relentless challenges, with protracted conflict and violence continuing to shape the lives of millions. Communities across the country are caught in a cycle of instability, struggling to access primary healthcare, food, and water amid volatile security conditions. The rise in intercommunal violence, ongoing attacks, and the fragile state of the peace process have heightened the urgency to address critical needs, including security, livelihoods, and protection for vulnerable civilians.

The situation took a dramatic turn in April 2023 when fighting erupted in neighboring Sudan, triggering a massive influx of refugees into South Sudan, including displaced South Sudanese returning to their homeland. This surge in displacement has overwhelmed both government and humanitarian agencies, straining already limited resources and pushing health facilities to the brink. The crisis deepened in May 2024, when heavy rains and extreme flooding devastated villages, farmland, schools, and healthcare centers, leaving communities even more vulnerable.

While the government has made efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, progress remains slow. South Sudan continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, scarce medical supplies, and a critical shortage of skilled healthcare workers. These challenges hinder the delivery of quality healthcare services to those who need them most.

In a bid to ease some of this burden, ACROSS, with support from UNHCR, stepped in to provide much-needed assistance. On January 23, 2025, ACROSS donated vital medicines and supplies to Buluk Police Hospital, a facility that had long struggled without adequate support. This donation marked the first of its kind for the hospital, offering a glimmer of hope to health workers and patients alike.

The leadership at Buluk Police Hospital expressed profound gratitude to ACROSS, acknowledging the lifesaving impact of the donation. For a nation battling overlapping crises, gestures like these not only help bridge the gap in healthcare access but also restore a sense of dignity and resilience among affected communities.

As South Sudan navigates the complexities of conflict, displacement, and climate change, partnerships between humanitarian organizations, local institutions, and international allies remain crucial. Together, they can chart a path toward stability, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of health, peace, and a brighter future.