$2 Fundraising Initiative

A Concept Note on the Two–Dollar Fundraising Initiative for Hepatitis Virus Intervention

in South Sudan.

Implementer: FRIENDS OF HUMANITY (FOH)

Project Title: $2 Fundraising Initiative

Project Location: Juba, South Sudan

Project Duration: 12 Months

Contact Person: Matiok Anthony Madut

Phone +211920662018/+211980662018

Email: info@friendsofhumanity.net

1.0. Executive Summary

Hepatitis B and C are critical global health challenges, causing significant morbidity and

mortality worldwide. According to the 2017 WHO Global Hepatitis Report, most chronic

Hepatitis B infections originate from perinatal transmission or early childhood exposure.

Effective prevention through vaccination is essential to reducing the lifelong impacts of these

infections, such as liver disease and cancer.

In South Sudan, the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C is alarmingly high at 9.9% and 9.1%,

respectively. In 2023 alone, over 11,000 new hepatitis cases were reported, with 1,000 fatalities.

Hepatitis, now recognized as the world’s deadliest virus after COVID-19, is the leading cause of

liver cancer globally. Despite the availability of a Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis C treatments,

significant barriers such as limited awareness, insufficient resources, and inadequate healthcare

infrastructure hinder effective management and prevention.

The $2 Fundraising Initiative by Friends of Humanity is a financial mechanism aims to tackle

these challenges by resource mobilization for promotion of awareness raising, expand

vaccination programs, and implement sustainable hepatitis prevention and treatment measures in

South Sudan. This initiative presents a collaborative and inclusive solution to reduce the disease

burden and save lives.

1.2. Justification for the Concept Proposal

Hepatitis remains an under-prioritized public health issue in South Sudan, despite its severe

impact on health outcomes. South Sudan is consider to be endemic to all form of viral hepatitis.

In 2023, about 11000 people acquired viral hepatitis while 1000 succumbed due to the hepatitis

in south Sudan. The burden of hepatitis is high in South Sudan, with a prevalence of hepatitis B

and C infection among general population is 9.9% and 9.1 respectively. The prevalence of

HBsAg among children under five stands at 6.99%, among the highest in Africa and significantly

above the 2025 WHO interim target of <0.5%.

Persistent implementation and service delivery gaps continue to affect hepatitis prevention and

care in South Sudan. Hepatitis B birth dose is not included in the national immunization

schedule, despite WHO recommendations for high-prevalence countries. This contributes to

continued vertical transmission, as evidenced by the 6.99% HBsAg prevalence among children

under five in South Sudan. (MOH/WHO: World Hepatitis Report 2024).

Currently, limited funding, weak health infrastructure, and low public awareness exacerbate the

hepatitis crisis in South Sudan. The $2 Fundraising Initiative addresses these gaps by

mobilizing domestic and international contributions to scale up prevention, diagnosis, and

treatment programs. This aligns with global commitments to eliminate hepatitis as a public

health threat by 2030 and supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).

With an affordable contribution of $2 from individuals and organizations, this initiative offers a

scalable, sustainable solution to strengthen the healthcare system, reduce healthcare costs, and

save thousands of lives. By prioritizing hepatitis interventions, South Sudan can make

measurable progress toward healthier communities and a stronger public health infrastructure.

1.3. Objectives

 Generate sustainable internal resources to support a national hepatitis program.

 Fully fund hepatitis prevention, control, treatment, and awareness interventions.

 Increase hepatitis awareness among keys stakeholders to champion hepatitis agenda in the

country.

 To align with global advocacy goal of creating a demand for hepatitis service to halt

transmission and have a next free-hepatitis generation.

1.3. About Friends of Humanity

Friends of Humanity is a registered NGO in South Sudan, pioneering efforts to combat viral

hepatitis in the country. As a leading organization in hepatitis response, it provides

comprehensive diagnostic and clinical services, advocates for patient rights, and raises awareness

about the disease through research and innovation.

1.4. Membership

Friends of Humanity is proud to be an active member of the World Hepatitis Alliance, the

International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO), and various local alliances. These

memberships strengthen our capacity to advocate for hepatitis prevention and treatment, share

best practices, and collaborate on global and community-level initiatives aimed at eliminating

hepatitis as a public health threat.

1.5. Vision

Our vision is to have a South Sudan free from the burden of hepatitis, where everyone has

equitable access to prevention, care, and treatment. By fostering awareness, mobilizing

resources, and promoting sustainable healthcare solutions, we strive to build healthier

communities and empower individuals to lead lives free from the risks and challenges posed by

hepatitis.

1.6. Mission

Our mission is to reduce inequality, decrease vulnerability, and foster demand for hepatitis, HIV,

and STI services by providing practical and accessible human development information.

Through awareness campaigns, community engagement, and education, we can empower

individuals and communities to access essential healthcare services and lead healthier and more

equitable lives.

1.7. Framework for National Action on Hepatitis.

Building on WHO’s global framework, Friends of Humanity will adopt a four-pillar approach to

address the hepatitis epidemic in South Sudan:

Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Resources

o Conduct national media campaigns to educate the public about risk factors, prevention, and

treatment options.

o Engage stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society, and the

pharmaceutical industry, to support hepatitis elimination efforts.

o Foster public-private partnerships to sustain awareness campaigns and resource mobilization.

Data for Policy and Action

o Strengthen data collection systems to assess the national disease burden and evaluate the

cost-effectiveness of interventions.

o Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to inform policy development and improve

service delivery.

Prevention of Transmission

o Ensure universal access to hepatitis B vaccinations, starting with a birth dose within 24 hours

of birth.

o Promote safe medical practices, blood transfusion safety, and community education to reduce

risky behaviors.

o Implement maternal screening and newborn vaccination programs to prevent perinatal

transmission.

Case Finding, Screening, Care, and Treatment

o Provide free screening programs for at-risk populations.

o Improve access to affordable diagnostic testing and treatment through partnerships with

pharmaceutical companies and health institutions.

o Establish a nationwide network of hepatology reference centers to ensure quality care and

standardized treatment protocols.

The Two – Dollar ($2) Initiative

The $2 Fundraising Initiative aims to generate $2 million by mobilizing support from 1 million

citizens and businesses across South Sudan. This initiative will serve as a foundation for

sustained hepatitis interventions through the following strategies:

a) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

 Encourage local and international businesses to support hepatitis programs as part of their

CSR strategies.

 Partner with mobile network operators (e.g., MTN, ZAIN, DIGITEL, M-GURUSH and

MoMo) to facilitate micro-donations via SMS campaigns.

b) Health Partnerships

 Collaborate with pharmaceutical manufacturers to negotiate reduced prices for hepatitis

treatments and supplies.

 Work with financial institutions to sponsor awareness campaigns, screening programs, and

treatment subsidies.

c) Excise Taxes

 Levy an excise taxes on a particular goods such as alcohol and tobacco which would not only

generate revenues but also act as public health instrument to reduce consumption of good that

have a negative effect on health.

 Advocate for the allocation of minimal percentage on specific commodities exported, such

as oil and gold, to fund hepatitis programs.

d) Public Contributions

 Mobilize small donations from the general public (e.g., $2 per person) through grassroots

campaigns, social media, and mobile platforms.

 Engage humanitarian organizations to integrate hepatitis into their existing programs.

Implementation Plan

 Awareness Campaign

Nationwide campaigns will be launched to educate the public and promote participation in the

Two–Dollar ($2) Fundraising Initiative.

 Partnership Development

There will be collaboration with businesses, financial institutions, and pharmaceutical

companies to secure support and resources.

 Community Engagement

The campaign team will work with local leaders, schools, and community-based organizations to

promote grassroots participation.

 Monitoring and Evaluation

The campaign team will regularly assess progress, track funds raised, and report outcomes to

stakeholders. These will include field monitoring visits to sites identified for conducting

awareness messages.

1.8. Expected Outcomes

The expected outcomes will include the following:

1. Increased public awareness and engagement in hepatitis prevention and treatment.

2. Enhanced access to screening, vaccination, and treatment services for hepatitis B and C.

3. Sustainable financial support for hepatitis interventions in South Sudan.

4. Reduced prevalence of hepatitis and its associated morbidity and mortality.

1.9. Key Stakeholders in the Two–Dollar ($2) Initiative

The success of the $2 Fundraising Initiative depends on the collaboration and support of various

stakeholders. Below is a breakdown of key stakeholders and their potential roles:

(i) Government and Public Sector

In this sector, the key Players will include:

Ministry of Health (MoH): Policy development, coordination, and oversight of the

initiative.

National Revenue Authority: Allocation of dedicated taxes to hepatitis programs.

Ministry of Finance and Planning: Budgetary support and integration of hepatitis programs

into public health priorities.

Parliamentary Committees on Health and Finance: Advocacy and policy approval for

hepatitis funding.

Local Government Authorities: Mobilization of communities and coordination at

grassroots levels.

Ministry of petroleum

Ministry of Education

Ministry Trade and investment

Ministry of Mining

Proposed Contributions:

The Friends of Humanity proposes the following contributions:

 Establish hepatitis as a public health priority through national policies.

 Waive taxes on hepatitis diagnostic tools and vaccines to reduce costs.

 Dedicate a portion of national revenue (e.g., from oil, gold, or other industries) to hepatitis

interventions.

 Support awareness campaigns through government-owned media channels.

(ii) Private Sector

In the private sector, the key players include the following:

Telecommunication Companies.

The telecommunication companies to contribute include M-GURUSH, MoMo, Zain, DIGITEL

and MTN), and their key role is to facilitate mobile donation platforms for micro-donations.

Pharmaceutical Companies.

The Friends of Humanity also proposes pharmaceutical companies to contribute to the two–

dollar ($2) fundraising to provide affordable hepatitis treatments and vaccines.

Local Businesses and Corporations.

The Friends of Humanity proposes to Sponsor campaigns and contribute under Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) institutions.

Proposed Contributions:

 Implement SMS-based donation campaigns to encourage public participation.

 Offer in-kind contributions, such as free advertising for awareness campaigns.

 Negotiate bulk procurement deals for hepatitis drugs and diagnostic tools.

2.0. Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

The Friends of Humanity will collaborate with other civil society organizations and nongovernmental institutions as key players in tackling the Hepatitis virus in South Sudan. The

identified key CSO and NGO players include:

 Friends of Humanity (Lead Implementer)

The Friends of Humanity will be the lead implementer for the Program design, implementation,

and monitoring.

 World Hepatitis Alliance: Provide technical expertise and global advocacy support.

 Local NGOs and Community-Based Organizations: Mobilize communities and ensure

equitable access to services.

Proposed Contributions:

 Advocate for the rights of hepatitis patients.

 Conduct community awareness and education campaigns.

 Provide grassroots support for screening and vaccination drives.

2.1. Donor Organizations and International Partners

Key Players:

 World Health Organization (WHO)

This institution will provide technical assistance and funding for hepatitis interventions.

 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

This institution will provide support for policy advocacy and health system strengthening.

 The Global Fund

This institution will provide funding for hepatitis screening, treatment, and awareness.

 Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

This institution will provide support for the hepatitis B vaccination program.

 Bilateral Donors

These bilateral donors include USAID, DFID, EU, and SIDA, CDC AU and they will provide

financial and technical support.

Proposed Contributions:

 Provide grants to scale up screening, treatment, and vaccination services.

 Support capacity building for healthcare providers and community workers.

 Facilitate research and data collection for evidence-based decision-making.

2.2. Media and Communication Partners

These institutions will include the following:

 Local and international media outlets (e.g., Eye Radio, BBC, and Voice of America).

 Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp).

Proposed Contributions:

 Disseminate information about hepatitis and the two–dollar ($2) Fundraising Initiative.

 Amplify success stories to encourage public engagement.

2.3. Healthcare Providers and Institutions

The key players will include:

 Public and private hospitals and clinics.

 Academic institutions and research organizations.

Proposed Contributions:

 Integrate hepatitis screening and treatment into routine healthcare services.

 Conduct training programs for healthcare workers on hepatitis management.

2.4. Best Government Contribution

1. Policy and Financial Commitment

The best way for the government to contribute is to establish a national hepatitis program with a

dedicated budget line.

2. Subsidized Healthcare

The government must provide free or heavily subsidized hepatitis screening, vaccination, and

treatment services across the country to enable ordinary citizens to afford cost-free testing

services for hepatitis.

3. Legislation

The government must support enacting laws to reduce risk factors to ensure safe medical

practices and regulate blood transfusions.

4. Infrastructure Support

The Friends of Humanity requires the government of South Sudan to strengthen healthcare

infrastructure, especially in underserved areas across the country.

5. Awareness Campaigns

The Friends of Humanity proposes to leverage government media platforms to promote public

awareness.

Ministry of Petroleum

A small amounts of 0.05USD levied on each crude oil barrel and gold as a contribution from

government to support hepatitis B&C, HIV.STI Prevention and treatment. This can promote

solidarity and responsibility of the government to the citizen.

2.5. Recommended Donors

Based on the vital role they are playing in the South Sudan health system; the Friends of

Humanity will expect the following institutions as the key donors of choice for this Two – Dollar

($2) Fundraising Initiative:

Global Fund

This institution should integrate hepatitis into HIV/Tuberculosis and malaria funding programs,

particularly in resource-constrained settings like South Sudan.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

This institution Provides funding and logistical support for vaccination programs.

World Bank

This institution offers low-interest loans or grants for health system strengthening.

Bilateral Donors such as USAID, DFID, EU

These institutions focus on funding innovative and sustainable health solutions.

International Private Foundations such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rockefeller

Foundation

These institutions also Support large-scale health initiatives and they can also be reached to

provide support for the hepatitis response in South Sudan.

2.6. Conclusion

The Two–Dollar ($2) Fundraising Initiative presents a practical, inclusive strategy to combat the

public health challenges posed by Hepatitis B and C in South Sudan. Through strategic

partnerships, government involvement, donor support, and public contributions, this initiative

seeks to mobilize sustainable resources for life-saving interventions. By fostering collaboration

and leveraging innovative funding mechanisms, Friends of Humanity aims to eliminate hepatitis

as a public health threat, improving the health and well-being of millions in South Sudan.