Impact of COVID-19 on Trade, Peace and Health System in South Sudan
Date
2021-10-08
Authors
Malish, John Peter
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Economic Research Consortium
Abstract
South Sudan is experiencing exponential rise in COVID-19 cases. The country
is already struggling with the negative shock of the pandemic coupled with the
climate shock, economic decline, political transition and crash in global oil prices
that has put the economy in much deeper crisis than never before. COVID-19 adds
to convergence of multiple crises that has further exacerbated the political and
economic situation. Besides the trade sector shock, the pandemic has affected
genuine progress in the peace process in the country. The onset of COVID-19
pandemic halfway into the formation of the new transitional government largely
contributed to delayed completion of critical peace activities. Similarly, the
pandemic increased pressure on the weak health system in South Sudan. The
country’s health system is mainly funded and serviced by donors and humanitarian
agencies with limited government investment and service provision. The pandemic
shifted the focus of many donors from combating deadly diseases such as malaria,
diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection that threaten public health to COVID-19
response.
This paper explores the pandemic impact on the trade sector with specific
focus on the cross-border trade, and also its underlying effect on the underfunded
and fragile health system and fluid peace process in South Sudan. The research is
grounded on the overall objective to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and
government response mechanisms on trade, health system and peace process
in South Sudan. The research was commissioned by the African Economic Research
Consortium (AERC) to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the socioeconomic,
public health, and political transition in the region.
The study used secondary research method that focused on qualitative and
quantitative analysis of available data from government entities and humanitarian
partners. Secondary data on trade, revenue and government policies were
accessed from the government institutions. Relevant literature and reports by
humanitarian agencies, including international NGOs, UN agencies and think tanks were reviewed.