The opening of Madhol Hospital in South Sudan marks a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, especially for the local populace and an increasing number of refugees from Sudan. Funded by the UAE, this facility will serve as a primary referral hospital for the region. The collaborative efforts between South Sudan, the UAE, and WHO aim to strengthen health infrastructure and improve health outcomes amid ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system.
In a momentous occasion for Madhol Payam in Awiel East County, Chief Amet Mabior Yel expressed his joy at the inauguration of the Madhol hospital, built mere meters from his residence. Dressed in traditional attire, he celebrated this historic development, stating that the community no longer needs to traverse long distances for healthcare. The event marked a significant milestone for local healthcare delivery, attended by senior government officials, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.
South Sudan’s healthcare system faces considerable challenges, including limited facilities and recurrent disease outbreaks. Ongoing conflict, particularly along the borders with Sudan, exacerbates these issues. The newly established Madhol Hospital will serve as a vital referral center for the populous Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, bringing essential health services closer to the affected populace.
Financed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Madhol Field Hospital is strategically located about 64 kilometers south of the Sudan border. During the opening, His Excellency Simon Ober Mawut, Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, emphasized the timely necessity of this facility amid rising refugee numbers fleeing conflict in Sudan. The hospital alleviates pressure on the only existing referral hospital, addressing critical health needs for the 300,000 returnees and 20,000 refugees currently hosted by the state.
His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout Nahyan Al Nahyan from the UAE reaffirmed his country’s dedication to enhancing healthcare in South Sudan through cooperation with government and international organizations. He expressed the UAE’s commitment to improving healthcare services and projects that meet high international standards.
Dr. Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan, lauded the inauguration of Madhol Hospital as a significant advancement for the national healthcare system and the UAE-South Sudan partnership. He hailed the completion as a fundamental addition to collaborative healthcare efforts aimed at meeting the needs of both local populations and refugees. WHO aims to continue supporting health infrastructure, workforce development, and emergency response in the country, contributing to improved health outcomes overall.
The recent influx of refugees into South Sudan amid the ongoing Sudanese conflict has heightened pressure on the healthcare system, particularly in northern states. Continuous collaboration between WHO, health authorities, and partners is vital for delivering essential services to those in need. This includes substantial support in terms of medical supplies and the training of healthcare workers for effective disease management and treatment.
The opening of the Madhol Hospital represents a pivotal advancement in the healthcare infrastructure of South Sudan, providing critical services to local residents and displaced individuals affected by the Sudanese conflict. The collaboration between the UAE and South Sudan, as well as the efforts of WHO and various stakeholders, underscores a commitment to improving health delivery in a region facing significant challenges. Enhanced healthcare access and capabilities are expected to have a lasting impact on the health outcomes for the local population and refugees alike.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
