An estimated 160,000 people are living with HIV in South Sudan, with their families and communities bearing the burden of the disease, the US Embsssy said on Monday.
The Embassy made the disclosure in a statement to mark the 37th World Aids Day on December 1.
It said that the US had since 2007, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of South Sudan in the fight, providing $367 million in HIV relief through the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR).
This year alone, PEPFAR is investing $42 million to support over 87% of the 63,000 South Sudanese currently on HIV treatment, the statement said.
“We continue to engage and support civil society organizations as they advocate for people living with HIV, provide essential services, and promote social inclusion,” it added.
To achieve an Aids-free South Sudan, the US Embassy urged the transitional government to use public revenue to strengthen the health system through investing in healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and ensuring equitable access to quality care for all.