The state’s acting governor, Daniel Badagbu pledged the amount to facilitate the fight against HIV in a region that has the highest prevalence rates

By Emmanuel Mandella

Western Equatoria State’s acting governor, Daniel Badagbu has pledged SSP 120 million for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

According to the plan, there will be a widespread awareness campaign, including voluntary testing across the state.

The governor made the pledge during the launch of the state’s new HIV strategic plan, aimed at ending new infections by 2030 in line with global UNAIDS targets.

In a bold and impassioned speech, Badagbu declared himself chairman of the campaign and promised that no community, however remote, would be left behind.

“Let us see if HIV will defeat us. Can it defeat us if we decide to get everyone tested?” he challenged, drawing applause from a packed hall at Yambio Resort Hotel.

Funding to reach the grassroots level, such as Counties, Payam, and Boma, the acting governor detailed how the SSP 120 million will be distributed from July through December.

Each county will be allocated SSP 20 million each to support local awareness activities.

“This is not just about spending money. It’s about reaching our people with the right information.”

“We are not waiting for international well-wishers. We must rise and fight this battle ourselves,” he said.

To further support the campaign’s reach, Badagbu pledged 10 motorbikes and 50 bicycles within three months to help volunteers and health workers reach distant communities.

 Badagbu emphasized the unified effort, noting that the King of the Azande Kingdom, the bishops, civil society, and women’s organizations are all backing the initiative.

“All the heads are on board and this strategic plan for Western Equatoria must be our own. I have already taken ownership,” he stated.

The campaign’s community-based approach was echoed by religious leaders. During earlier consultations, Catholic Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala said:

“HIV disturbs our community, and we can only defeat it through love, unity, and awareness. Not harsh words. We are all human; it is HIV we must confront.”

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of the ECSS in Western Equatoria Internal Province, Dr. Samuel Enosa Peni said, “If HIV positive and taking ARVs well, you will live a healthier life and achieve your dreams as others.

“Testing for HIV every 3-6 months is healthier for everyone.”

Also, Azande King His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito also lent his voice to the call of other leaders by lamenting that.

“Our unity is our strength against HIV infection. There is no one safe till we are all safe. Let us stand together to fight HIV.”

Looking at the legislative action and education as pillars in the fight against HIV, Badagbu urged lawmakers to act swiftly when the State Parliament reopens next week.

He called for laws protecting young people and especially girls.

“Any man, whether tycoon, politician, or trader, who infects a schoolgirl must face the law.”

Also, he announced the long-awaited opening of Western Equatoria University, which will prioritize agriculture and nutrition as key factors in strengthening immunity and reducing vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

“All our young people must stay in school. And we must use education to empower and protect them,” he said.

As youth and experts across the state join the call to end new HIV infections by 2030 in the state, most young people who spoke to The City Review promised to put their feet on the peddle.

“Your HIV-negative status expires the moment you have unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status you don’t know,” said Lubang Simaya Jack, the Field Coordinator or the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) in Western Equatoria State.

He commended the state authorities’ bold move to support the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“This level of local ownership is what South Sudan has long needed. The governor’s commitment shows that the fight against HIV/AIDS is no longer just a donor-driven agenda but a people-centered movement.” “We at AFENET will continue to support the implementation and monitoring of this strategic plan,” Simaya added.

South Sudan’s national HIV prevalence is estimated at 2.1%, but Western Equatoria State remains the most affected, with prevalence rates believed to be more than double the national average, especially in Yambio and surrounding counties.

This is attributed to a combination of factors, including weak health systems, poor access to testing services, conflict-related displacement, and risky behavior among youth.

A 2022 UNAIDS report noted that many people living with HIV in South Sudan are unaware of their status, limiting access to treatment and increasing the risk of further transmission. Efforts to meet the 95-95-95 targets, where 95% of people know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression, remain uneven across the country.

This financial injection and the renewed political will are expected to significantly strengthen the state’s health system from testing and treatment availability to community engagement and legal protections.

“With resources like these being channeled to communities, we can build trust, boost early diagnosis, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes,” Simaya said.