By Lodu William Odiya
Central Equatoria State (CES) Acting Health Minister has appealed to the World Health Organization (WHO) to continue supporting Al-Shaba Children’s Hospital.
Speaking during a handover ceremony of items donated by WHO, Central Equatoria State Acting Minister of Health Clement Maring praised the organization for the donation.
“You are saving the people of South Sudan in this hospital. The work is indeed big, which needs support, especially from development partners,” he said.
“We are appealing to my sister Eva to still send our appeal to WHO to keep supporting this hospital,” he added.
The Acting Minister reiterated a call on the partners to continue with their support.
“Thanks for the great work that you have done; we are still appealing for more. Let the coordination and relationship continue so that we render better services for the children,” he said.
He said Al-Shaba is the only children’s hospital in South Sudan that needed a lot of services since there are many children in the country.
“You have got the right partner here to work with you. On behalf of the government of Central Equatoria State, let me appeal that Eva, thank you very much for the great work that you have done,” he said.
In her part, Eva Gordon, WHO representative, said the donation reflects our shared commitment to ensure children receive the quality care of services in this hospital.
“These items will help the children and support the hospital; the oxygen concentrators will save lives, and the mattresses and beds will offer comfort to the most vulnerable children,” she said.
Eva highlighted that her organization is trying its best to reduce, inspire, and encourage the people of South Sudan.
“We need to recognize our partners in the ministry of health. We send deep appreciation for your collaboration and vision.
She underscored that WHO remains steadfast in their support for strengthening South Sudan’s health system.
She further added that the donation should bring one greater thing in the foundation of a healthier and brighter future for the people of this nation.
Meanwhile, Joseph Gore, who is the acting executive director, said there was a rise in the cases of malnutrition in the hospital, making some of the children sleep on the ground due to lack of beds.
“The number of cases of malnutrition has risen greatly. That is why for the last two months we used to have some of the kids suffering sleep on the ground and outside the wards,” he said.
According to Gore, one hundred beds, fifty mattresses, and fifty oxygen concentrators, plus some essential drugs for treating the patients.
He appealed to the concerned authorities to motivate the staff in order to carry out duties with good faith.
“The challenge is the motivation of staff. For staff to work, it needs motivation. This is what we are facing here in the hospital,” he said.