Madhol Hospital has officially opened in South Sudan, marking a significant improvement in local healthcare access. Funded by the UAE, the facility will serve as a primary referral hospital in Northern Bahr el Ghazal amidst ongoing conflicts in Sudan. Key leaders highlighted the hospital’s role in addressing health challenges for both local populations and displaced individuals.
In South Sudan, a significant enhancement in health delivery is marked by the grand opening of Madhol Hospital, located near Juba. Chief Amet Mabior Yel expressed elation at the hospital’s inauguration, highlighting its proximity to his village and the alleviation of long-distance travel for healthcare. This event brought together government officials, UN agencies, and donors, emphasizing the community’s joy and optimism for better health services.
The health system in South Sudan is characterized by its fragility, with limited facilities and frequent disease outbreaks, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflicts in Sudan. The newly opened Madhol Hospital is set to serve as the primary referral facility for the Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, providing crucial health services to a vulnerable population.
Funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the construction of Madhol Field Hospital aims to address the essential healthcare needs of the region. During the inauguration, Governor Simon Ober Mawut underlined the hospital’s timely significance, especially for the over 300,000 returnees and refugees who have sought safety in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, reducing the existing burden on healthcare facilities.
UAE’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shreikh Shakhbout Nahyan Al Nahyan, reiterated the UAE’s dedication to enhancing healthcare in South Sudan through collaboration with local authorities and international partners. He emphasized the urgency of implementing impactful projects to improve health services to meet international standards.
Dr. Karamagi, the WHO Representative for South Sudan, commended the inauguration as a vital advancement in the country’s healthcare system, strengthening partnerships between South Sudan and the UAE. He noted the facility’s potential to cater to local needs while supporting the influx of displaced individuals. WHO remains committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to improve the health outcomes in South Sudan by investing in key areas such as infrastructure and human resources.
The Ethiopian conflict that has driven numerous individuals into South Sudan since April 2023 further complicates the healthcare landscape. Northern Bahr el Ghazal and other northern regions are among the primary destinations for displaced populations, which heightens existing health care challenges.
Organizations like WHO and local health authorities are actively working together to deliver health services, improve disease surveillance, and enhance emergency response capabilities for the refugees and returnees. With UAE funding, WHO has also ensured the distribution of essential medical supplies and training initiatives for healthcare workers, aimed at improving the treatment of infectious diseases and addressing malnutrition in the vulnerable population.
The establishment of Madhol Hospital represents a crucial investment in South Sudan’s health infrastructure, promising improved access to healthcare for local communities and displaced individuals. Partnerships between South Sudan, the UAE, and international organizations play an essential role in addressing the pressing health needs exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. Continuous efforts by WHO and health authorities to enhance service delivery and strengthen healthcare capacities are pivotal for the country’s health system and its population’s well-being.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
