The Deputy Chair of the South Sudan AIDS Commission said that South Sudan has thus far been spared many of the hardships of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but that may change.
Dr. Acol Ayom attended the 19th International Aids Conference, which concluded last week in Washington, D.C., after dozens of panel discussions on the challenges and achievements in the battle against AIDS worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ayom explained that because of the decades-long civil war in Sudan, the area was largely protected from HIV. But she said that since the borders have opened, internally displaced persons and refugees are bringing the disease with them.
"Now, after the [2005] peace agreement and independence [in July 2011], everyone is coming to South Sudan," Ayom said. "So, we're expecting the prevalence of HIV to be very high."
The late onset of HIV in South Sudan means that treatment options are also not as developed as in many sub-Saharan African countries.
"Infrastructure is zero in South Sudan, including health. For treatment, we are depending on the Global Fund and Multi-Donor Trust Fund. But those are finished," Acol said.
Ayom added that South Sudan does not have the resources to test children. She said the United States has given Juba a million dollars to fight HIV/AIDS, but she says that is not enough.
Ayom said now is the best time to invest in treating and preventing the disease from spreading, before it gets out of control.
"We say this is the second war for South Sudan," she said. "After independence, HIV is the second war."