Norway has allocated an additional $3.2 million to support efforts to eliminate obstetric fistula and advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in South Sudan.
The funding, provided through the United Nations Population Fund, builds on Norway’s longstanding support to address obstetric fistula, a preventable childbirth injury affecting thousands of women and girls.
Of the total, about $1 million will go toward flexible funding under UNFPA’s Fourth Country Programme, while roughly $2.2 million is earmarked for targeted interventions, including fistula surgery, rehabilitation and prevention.
UNFPA estimates South Sudan has a backlog of about 60,000 untreated fistula cases, highlighting gaps in access to emergency obstetric care. Globally, between 2 million and 3.5 million women are living with the condition, with up to 100,000 new cases each year.
“We hope this support will help address the backlog of cases and move us closer to zero fistula in South Sudan,” Norwegian Ambassador Roar Haugsdal said.
Between 2020 and 2025, Norway committed about $858 million to global sexual and reproductive health programs.
In South Sudan, Norway’s support also includes prevention efforts such as tackling child marriage and teenage pregnancy, expanding access to contraceptives, and strengthening national coordination, including the National Taskforce on Fistula Management.
More than 500 women and girls underwent fistula repair surgery in 2025 through the partnership, alongside efforts to prevent new cases.
UNFPA acting Country Representative Innocent Modisaotsile said the funding has helped expand lifesaving services for women and girls.
Norway said its support aligns with efforts to protect the health and rights of women and girls in fragile and conflict-affected settings.
and then