In South Sudan, malnutrition affects approximately two million children, with Gok Machar clinic offering vital healthcare amidst challenges. Families struggle for resources, particularly refugees from Sudan, while health workers address infections and malnutrition with intensive care and education. The situation is urgent, underscoring the need for greater support and resources.
In South Sudan, malnutrition affects as many as two million children, prompting serious concerns from aid agencies. A health clinic in Gok Machar is providing necessary care, highlighted by the presence of children’s beds under pink mosquito nets, as sounds of cartoon music fill the air. Among the children being treated, six-month-old Mary Guak’s baby has shown improvement after three days of care for breathing difficulties and fever due to insufficient feeding over two months.
Abuk Malong, a mother of two following the death of her husband, shares the struggle for food, stating, “We don’t have enough food to eat because the children don’t have a father. I’m their father and their mother.” The clinic serves many families, including refugees fleeing conflicts from Sudan, with malnutrition levels among these children reaching alarming rates of up to 30% in certain camps, according to the World Health Organization.
Healthcare professionals, such as pediatric nurse Isaac Garang, report treating common conditions associated with malnutrition, including dehydration and infections. Treatments include antibiotics and therapeutic milk, with record numbers of treated cases observed during the wet season. Nutritional assistant Peter Aturjong oversees patient care, stressing the need for proper nutrition for recovery, as he focuses on ensuring mothers understand that therapeutic pastes like “Plumpy’Nut®” are critical medicine for their children.
Isaac works tirelessly to assist the community, dedicating himself to the clinic from 7 AM to 7 PM, with a colleague covering nighttime duties. He acknowledges the exhaustion but emphasizes the importance of their work in addressing the needs of those affected by malnutrition.
The situation in South Sudan highlights the severe malnutrition crisis impacting millions of children, exacerbated by conflict and environmental challenges. The dedicated health workers at clinics like Gok Machar are working diligently to provide care and support to affected families, emphasizing the critical need for assistance and education regarding proper nutrition. Their efforts illustrate the resilience and commitment of those striving to improve the health conditions of their community.
Original Source: www.irishexaminer.com
