The Unity State Ministry of Health has temporarily suspended health programs and financial and operational activities in Panyijiar County, citing administrative and security concerns.
Panyijiar is one of the counties in Unity State largely controlled by the opposition SPLM-IO and has been affected by years of civil war.
State Health Minister Jal Puok said in a statement Wednesday that the directive took effect immediately and will remain in force until further notice.
“The decision has been carefully considered following a breakdown in administrative protocols and escalating security concerns that threaten the integrity of service delivery,” Puok said. “Our primary priority remains the safety and well-being of government personnel and our dedicated partners on the ground.”
He said all health partners operating in Panyijiar County must comply with the suspension and align their activities accordingly.
Puok added that the ministry remains committed to restoring essential services and will issue further guidance once administrative and security issues are resolved in coordination with relevant authorities.
Simon Gatdet, head of the Community Link Action and Development Organization and chairperson of civil society in Unity State, confirmed the suspension and said civil society groups had received the minister’s order.
“Yes, it is going to affect the community of Panyijiar County because they deserve to have services on the ground,” Gatdet said, describing the move as a violation of the right to health.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Gatdet said the suspension followed an earlier decision by former Director General John Mut Bol, though he did not provide further details.
Liah Gatjiek, a resident of Panyijiar, said the halt in services would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
“The suspension of health services here will affect us, especially children, the elderly and women, who will suffer more than the rest,” she said.
Gatjiek called on the national Ministry of Health to intervene, saying civilians should not be deprived of services because the county is under the control of the opposition. She said residents deserve access to health care regardless of the political or military control of the area.
The right to health is guaranteed under South Sudan’s transitional constitution, which requires the government to promote public health and establish basic medical services.
South Sudan is also a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which recognize the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.