Is development aid to strengthen health systems during protracted conflict a useful investment? The case of South Sudan, 2011–2015

Year of Publication
2020
Document Publisher/Creator
Valadez JJ, Berendes S, Odhiambo J, et al.
Topic
NGO associated?
Source URL
2020;5:e002093. doi:10.1136/ bmjgh-2019-002093
Summary
Is achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 (building peaceful societies) a precondition for achieving SDG 3 (health and well-being in all societies, including conflict-affected countries)? Do health system investments in conflict-affected countries waste resources or benefit the public’s health? To answer these questions, we examine the maternal, newborn, child and reproductive health (MNCRH) service provision during protracted conflicts and economic shocks in the Republic of South Sudan between 2011 (at independence) and 2015.

Methods

We conducted two national cross-sectional probability surveys in 10 states (2011) and nine states (2015). Trained state-level health workers collected data from households randomly selected using probability proportional to size sampling of villages in each county. County data were weighted by their population sizes to measure state and national MNCRH services coverage.

Conclusion

Health system strengthening is not a uniform process and not necessarily deterred by conflict. Despite the conflict, health system investments were not wasted; health service coverage increased.
Attachment
Date of Publication
15/09/2020