“Justice, Liberty, Prosperity”

After the many years of civil wars in former Southern Sudan, the day has finally come for all South Sudanese; their independence. The Republic of South Sudan has been formed on the 9th of July, and was celebrated by all. Jubilation was palpable, even 5 days after the Big Day; a day where no major incidents occurred and the focus was on celebrating this achievement.

Pride, exhalation and a sense of “we did it” are still to be sensed throughout daily life. When congratulating South Sudanese citizens on their independence, smiles are wide and eyes sparkle. The new currency is already out: fresh, crisp and colorful. These notes are a symbol of the economic hope and a confirmation to all that South Sudan is now indeed, the Republic of South Sudan.

The jubilation and pride are great things, and should never be underestimated in their power to help transform a nation. However, the more serious facts do remain in this empowered setting: the country is one of the most underdeveloped in the world, and consists of a diversity of groups. Every single aspect of social, economic, environmental and political progress is still to be developed for South Sudan to reach its goals: “Justice, Liberty, Prosperity”. The independence is a great achievement and a powerful start, now the next steps are to be worked on.

For HealthNet TPO and our mission, the healthcare situation is still considered the direst in the entire globe. The (very limited) reliable data on the state of health and healthcare, are disheartening to even the most optimistic. At the same time, offers HealthNet TPO a challenge: it is an opportunity to establish something from the ground up. Something that will work in this setting, at this time, for and with these people.

In our programmes we aim to improve this situation in the current health systems. We support the setting up of basic health services in counties and we are starting the discussion on the opportunities and slow developments of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS). Such a system is both the basis and the future for appropriate systems building and strengthening. In a country where - not surprisingly - roads are difficult and unsafe, migration is part the many tribal cultures, the awareness for basic sanitation and hygiene is low (just as the level of education), the work is waiting for us.

How will the country develop now that it is independent? Will it change the pace of progress so many are hoping for? This depends who you ask, of course. For now, there is much hope, motivation and energy amongst the South Sudanese, a basis for great things to happen and beating the odds against this new African Republic!