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IGAD hands over mobile health facilities to South Sudan

IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu hands mobile laboratory, screening, and quarantine health equipment to the Ministry of Health in South Sudan, in the presence of Minister Yolanda Awel Deng Juach on March 28, 2024. Image: IGAD

By Amina Wako | 28 Mar 2024

Managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the project aims to enhance healthcare not only in South Sudan but also in bordering regions with Sudan and Uganda. It aligns with IGAD's objective of fortifying healthcare systems across the region.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has handed over mobile laboratory, screening, and quarantine facilities to the Ministry of Health in South Sudan.

The equipment, comprising a mobile truck, two health facilities constructed in Nimule and Wounthou, and two vehicles, will cater to cross-border communities in the designated areas.

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Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD's executive secretary, emphasised the significance of reaching marginalised populations, including migrants, refugees, and mobile communities, with essential health services.

He reiterated IGAD's commitment to coordinating regional responses and mobilising support to mitigate the health and socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would like to reiterate the IGAD's commitment to work with member states to coordinate the response in the region and also mobilise necessary financial and technical support to mitigate the health and socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among vulnerable populations in the region,” Dr. Gebeyehu said.

Managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the project aims to enhance healthcare not only in South Sudan but also in bordering regions with Sudan and Uganda. It aligns with IGAD's objective of fortifying healthcare systems across the region.

South Sudan's Minister of Health, Yolanda Deng, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its critical role in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and overall community health.

"When there are health emergencies, it's very important to have good places to go for help. The new mobile labs we are starting today have the latest technology to quickly find diseases. This help means a lot for the health of people in South Sudan," Minister Deng remarked.

She underscored the facilities' significance in not only addressing immediate health needs but also in strengthening the country's healthcare system for the long term.

Deng emphasised that the donation symbolises the government's dedication to safeguarding community health and well-being.