The escalating conflict in Sudan has forced an influx of disabled individuals into South Sudan, straining the nation’s limited healthcare system. One notable figure is Ladu Jackson, a resilient amputee footballer who is thriving despite his challenges. The Physical Rehabilitation Reference Centre in Juba plays a vital role in supporting both locals and refugees, helping them adapt and reintegrate into society while advocating for their rights through the ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
South Sudan is facing a significant challenge as it experiences an increase in the number of individuals with disabilities, particularly amputees, due to the ongoing conflicts in neighboring Sudan. This situation has resulted in a greater demand for prosthetic devices and medical assistance, adding strain to South Sudan’s limited health care infrastructure, which comprises only three specialized orthopedic facilities.
An inspiring figure is Ladu Jackson, a 23-year-old amputee footballer who lost his leg at the young age of nine due to a road accident. Following his amputation, he was initially devastated as it thwarted his passion for playing football. However, he has since triumphed, learning to play amputee football and becoming a noted athlete in South Sudan after receiving rehabilitation at the Physical Rehabilitation Reference Centre in Juba, which was established in 2009 with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The center is not solely dedicated to local citizens but also plays a crucial role in assisting refugees from Sudan’s civil unrest. As reported by Uwar Bosco, the head of the prosthetic and orthotic center, the influx of patients has escalated, placing considerable demand on their already stretched resources. One of the recent clients, Adam Ahamed Mohamed, is a refugee who lost a leg due to violence in Darfur, underscoring the dire circumstances many individuals face.
The healthcare provisions in South Sudan, which are recovering from their own civil strife, are under increasing pressure as the number of clientele surges. Disability inclusion adviser James Ochan stated that the center has registered 2,549 patients from January to October 2023, a figure that continues to rise as the civil conflict in Sudan persists.
In light of these challenges, South Sudan has ratified the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, enhancing efforts to advocate for equal rights and societal reintegration for disabled individuals. The center’s mission extends beyond providing prosthetics; it aims to assist individuals in acclimating back into society and fostering a sense of belonging despite their challenges.
In addition, the center promotes engagement in sporting and economic activities for those living with disabilities, enabling them to regain normalcy in their lives. By supporting endeavors such as wheelchair basketball and amputee football, and encouraging microeconomic initiatives, the center seeks to empower disabled individuals to become productive members of society. Discussions are also underway regarding a disability act that would solidify the rights and freedoms of persons with disabilities in South Sudan.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in an increase of refugees into South Sudan, heightening the demand for medical assistance for individuals with disabilities, particularly those who have suffered amputations. South Sudan itself has faced significant health system strain and limited resources, with only three specialized centers for rehabilitation services available to assist these individuals. Amidst these challenges, the emergence of significant figures like Ladu Jackson serves to highlight both the struggle and resilience of disabled individuals within the region.
The conflict in Sudan continues to exert pressure on South Sudan’s healthcare system, particularly in the domain of disability support services. The increasing influx of refugees with disabilities, compounded by the limited resources of specialized facilities, presents an ongoing challenge for South Sudan. Nevertheless, initiatives by centers like the Physical Rehabilitation Reference Centre, along with international support, strive to provide essential services and promote the integration of individuals with disabilities into society, fostering hope and resilience amongst affected populations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
