Editorial: South Sudan Doctors’ Union calls for increased health sector budget

Abstract

The South Sudan Doctors’ Union (SSDU) recently made submissions to the National Legislative Assembly to strongly advocate for an increase in the health sector budget from the current 2.1% to at least 15% of the total national budget for 2023-2024. This call is in line with WHO recommendations and the Abuja Declaration by the African Union Heads of State to achieve Universal Health Coverage. The current national health budget covers only chapters one (salaries) and two (operation costs). Chapter three which covers infrastructure development is left out. Additional aid by development partners (donors and NGOs) supports primary health care. The urban populace has to pay for their healthcare costs and have no health insurance.