By Deng Ghai Deng
Bor Central Prison welcomed a much-needed consignment of medical supplies on Tuesday, the first delivery in seven months, addressing a critical shortage of essential medications for inmates.
The prison health facility has been struggling to provide care for inmates vulnerable to diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and skin infections.
Director General of Bor State Hospital, Duop Lam, stated that the delivery followed a special request due to a significant increase in reported illnesses among the prison population.
“This timely shipment is important for our efforts to ensure that the health needs of inmates are met. We must prioritize the well-being of those in our care, and this delivery is a step in the right direction,” Lam said.
Paul Bol Ador, the director of Bor Central Prison, expressed gratitude for the timely donation.
“We are grateful for the drugs delivered to us today. The prisoners have been suffering from a lack of medications in the facility. While we understand that drug shortages are a national issue, we thank the state minister of health for the supplies we have received,” he said.
Anees Ahmed, Chief of Rule of Law at UNMISS, stressed the importance of this delivery as part of their mandate to strengthen human rights and justice.
“This donation is part of the joint efforts by the international community and the government of South Sudan to ensure that prisoners receive the care they deserve,” he stated.
Currently, Bor Central Prison houses 430 inmates, including 20 females, many of whom have been in dire need of medical attention.
The recent delivery marks a hopeful step toward improving the health conditions within the facility.