The inauguration of Madhol Hospital in South Sudan signifies a critical development in healthcare access for the local population and refugees. Funded by the UAE and supported by WHO, the hospital aims to enhance health services in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Key officials emphasized the urgency and importance of this facility in addressing severe health challenges exacerbated by regional conflicts.
In Madhol Payam, Awiel East County, the grand opening of the Madhol hospital has brought hope and excitement to the local community. Chief Amet Mabior Yel, a 72-year-old traditional leader, joyfully participated in the ceremony, marking the historic establishment of a medical facility just meters from his home. After years of struggling to access healthcare, he expressed his gratitude, stating that the new hospital alleviates the burden of traveling long distances for medical services.
South Sudan’s healthcare system faces significant challenges due to limited facilities and ongoing public health crises, compounded further by the conflict in Sudan affecting northern states. The Madhol hospital is set to serve as a primary referral hospital for Northern Bahr el Ghazal and its vicinity, thereby enhancing access to essential health services for the population.
Funded by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Madhol Field Hospital aims to provide crucial healthcare support to a region significantly impacted by an influx of refugees and returnees. Governor Simon Ober Mawut emphasized the timely construction of this modern facility in light of humanitarian needs, highlighting that it will help alleviate the pressures on the existing referral hospital serving the region.
UAE State Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shreikh Shakhbout Nahyan Al Nahyan, reiterated the UAE’s commitment to improving healthcare in South Sudan. He affirmed that their collaborative initiatives aim to deliver health services that meet international standards and positively impact millions of lives.
Dr. Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan, underscored the importance of the Madhol Hospital’s inauguration, describing it as a significant advancement in the healthcare partnership between South Sudan and the UAE. He noted that this facility will serve the healthcare needs of locals and displaced individuals from Sudan, bolstering the nation’s health infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in an influx of displaced people into South Sudan, intensifying the strain on an already challenged healthcare system. The northern states have become key destinations for these individuals, prompting increased collaboration among WHO, health authorities, and partners to enhance disease surveillance and emergency response.
Collaborative health efforts have also seen WHO and the UAE distribute substantial medical supplies and equipment, alongside the training of healthcare workers in critical areas of infectious disease management. This commitment strengthens the healthcare framework and responds to the urgent needs of affected populations.
The establishment of Madhol Hospital represents a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare access in South Sudan, particularly for the communities affected by ongoing conflict and displacement. It underscores the collaborative efforts between the UAE, WHO, and the South Sudanese government to improve health infrastructure and services. This initiative is crucial in addressing the pressing healthcare challenges faced by the region, ultimately striving for better health outcomes.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
