Kei Emmanuel Duku
Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, David Lisi Christopher, has raised concerns about shortage of health workers in the area, which is hindering access to essential healthcare services.
The commissioner noted that the county’s healthcare system has been severely impacted by the 2016 conflict, leading to the destruction of healthcare facilities and the displacement of healthcare professionals.
As a result, many communities in Kajo Keji County are struggling to access primary healthcare services.
“The primary healthcare systems are non-functional, yet they are the most essential level of healthcare facilities used in the treatment and referral to Mundari main hospital,” said Christopher. “People at the Bomas and Payams cannot access healthcare services because they are destroyed by the war.”
Before the conflict, Kajo-Keji County had 10 health centers, but now only seven remain operational. These centers are supported by both the government and humanitarian partners.
The commissioner added that the existing healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the influx of returnees from refugee camps.
He emphasized the urgent need for three additional healthcare facilities to provide adequate services to the population, especially during emergencies.
Out of the 32 Bomas in Kajo Keji County, only 27 Health Care Units are currently functional, compared to 50 before the war. Many of these units lack qualified staff, posing a significant threat to the health of the local population.
“We urgently appeal for the restoration of the previous 23 healthcare facilities, especially at a time when our people are returning home,” said Christopher. “These Health Care systems are very important because they help in detecting early disease outbreaks, prevention, and response,” he added.
The commissioner further called for the recruitment of more healthcare workers, renovation of destroyed health structures, and construction of additional healthcare units at the Boma and Payam levels.
He also highlighted the need to address the issue of payment disparities, which has led to some healthcare workers leaving government jobs for humanitarian organizations.
While the county health department is currently working with MSF Belgium and other humanitarian agencies to provide healthcare services, he appealed to the citizens of Kajo Keji County to embrace the ongoing mobilization of resources to improve infrastructure such as road networks, to ensure timely responses during emergencies.