Traditional authorities must enforce HIV and AIDS testing before marriage to save lives

By Majok Guet Kuol
Student of Public Administration and Policy Making, Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology

As the rate of HIV and AIDS continues to rise in South Sudan, urgent action is needed starting at the grassroots level.

One vital step is for traditional authorities to require mandatory HIV testing for couples before any marriage process begins.

Traditional marriage practices play a central role in South Sudanese society, especially in rural areas where formal legal systems are less accessible.

By integrating HIV testing into customary marriage protocols, traditional leaders could contribute significantly to national efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

If the bride and groom are both aware of their HIV status before marriage, they can make informed decisions about their health and the future of their family.

Introducing HIV testing into the marriage process is not about discrimina on, but about promoting responsibility, transparency, and care between partners.

Traditional leaders, with their influence and moral authority, can help normalize the conversation around HIV, reduce stigma, and encourage openness.

This proposal is rooted in the need to protect the health and future of young families, particularly as the prevalence of HIV continues to increase, according to recent data from the Ministry of Health.

Many cases are going undiagnosed until it is too late, partly due to stigma and a lack of awareness.

What is even more alarming is that the virus is now spreading into remote areas such as cattle camps, swamp regions, and isolated rural communities’ places once thought to be less exposed.

Despite this growing crisis, many couples and communities remain unaware or in denial about their health status.

There is a visible lack of aware and, and in some cases, outright ignorance about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment.

As a result, many continue to marry without knowing their HIV status, unknowingly putting each other’s lives at risk.

The time to act is now. HIV is no longer just an urban issue. It is affecting every corner of our society, including places we never expected.

Ignoring it or pretending it does not exist will only lead to more suffering and loss.

As a student of Public Administration and Policy Making, I strongly believe that integrating HIV testing into marriage customs is a life-saving policy.

Government institutions, civil society organizations, and churches must support our traditional authorities in implementing this change.

Free testing, community education, and counselling services should accompany this effort to ensure full understanding and acceptance.

South Sudane can e not afford to ignore the growing HIV crisis.

Protecting families must start with honest conversations and informed choices.

Our traditional authorities have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution by making HIV testing a standard part of the marriage process.

HIV and AIDS prevalence in South Sudan is estimated at 2.4% among adults aged 15-49, with an estimated 194,000 people living with HIV and AIDS.