U.S. and South Sudan Launch $166 Million Health Cooperation Initiative
On June 25, 2026, the United States and South Sudan’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) finalized a three-year bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement, falling under the Trump Administration’s “America First Global Health Strategy,” is designed to bolster efforts against infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and emerging health threats.
The initiative involves a total investment of more than $166 million. The U.S. Department of State plans to provide over $146 million to support these efforts, while the RTGoNU has committed to investing nearly $20 million of its own public revenue into the South Sudanese health system. This funding is intended to support essential services, such as clinical care and the development of self-sufficient health systems capable of addressing global health security crises.
A core component of this MOU is a framework for mutual accountability. The agreement mandates transparent reporting and requires the RTGoNU to meet specific, jointly determined metrics. These include maintaining infrastructure, such as cold chain systems for vaccine storage, and ensuring the timely payment of health sector workers’ salaries. Furthermore, the MOU establishes mechanisms for enhanced outbreak detection and response, aiming to contain potential health threats within seven days of emergence.
As of June 27, 2026, this partnership is one of 33 bilateral global health MOUs signed by the U.S. State Department with various nations worldwide. These global agreements represent a total of more than $20.8 billion in health funding, comprising over $12.9 billion in U.S. assistance and more than $7.8 billion in co-investment from recipient countries.
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