Extreme Heatwave in South Sudan – Students at Health Risk, Schools Closed Due to 42°C Temperatures
Juba, South Sudan, February 21, 2025: South Sudan announced on Thursday that all schools would be closed for two weeks due to the ongoing extreme heatwave, as some students fell ill and many even lost consciousness. This marks the second time in February and March that schools have been closed due to extreme heat.
South Sudan, which is severely impacted by climate change, particularly due to flooding during the rainy season, decided to close schools in response to the heatwave. Deputy Education Minister Martin Tako Moi stated on Thursday, "On average, 12 students collapse every day in Juba city."
Most schools in South Sudan are made from iron sheets and lack electricity, which means cooling systems cannot be used. Environment Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos urged residents to stay indoors and drink plenty of water as temperatures are expected to rise to 42°C (107.6°F).
The minister further recommended that government employees "work in shifts" to avoid heatstroke.
Education workers have requested the government to amend the school calendar so that schools remain closed in February and reopen in April when the temperatures decrease.
A civil society group, Integrity South Sudan, has criticized the government, stating that the decision to close schools during heatwaves is a "failure" and shows a lack of prioritization of South Sudan's children's education.
The country’s healthcare system is weak due to political instability. Between 2013 and 2018, nearly 400,000 people were killed, and a peace agreement was signed later in 2013. South Sudan's elections, which were scheduled for last year, have been postponed for two years due to a lack of funding.
The country is currently facing an economic crisis as oil exports were interrupted after a major pipeline in neighboring war-torn Sudan was damaged. The pipeline has since been repaired.
