(Yambio) – Western Equatoria State has received a new shipment of essential medicines from South Sudan’s National Ministry of Health, according to officials who confirmed the delivery on Friday.
The consignment, which includes anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics and other basic medical items, arrived at the Yambio Central Medical Store and is expected to be distributed across all 10 counties in the state.
James Abdallah Arona, the State Minister of Health, announced the delivery and said the last such shipment arrived in May 2025. He explained that some of the drugs from the previous batch were nearing their expiration date, underlining the need for regular and timely deliveries.
“We waited for the formal inspection before beginning the distribution to health centres throughout Western Equatoria,” Minister Arona told reporters at the storage facility.
He urged the central government and international health partners to send more medical supplies to meet the growing needs of the local population.
“We continue appealing to the National Ministry of Health and health partners to provide additional stocks to prevent shortages,” he said.
He did not provide a monetary value for the new batch.
Rose Obede, Director General at the State Ministry of Health, emphasised that the shipment would be fairly distributed across all 10 counties. She also highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in public health services.
“Having our chief executive inspect the shipment before handover demonstrates our commitment to transparency, accountability and better health services,” Obede said.
Paul Gore, the storekeeper at Yambio State Hospital, confirmed that the medicines were being stored properly. However, he acknowledged challenges with limited storage space and weak infrastructure, which have previously hindered drug management and stock monitoring.
Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa, who attended the handover, promised to support efforts to improve the medical storage facility.
“We will work with the Health Ministry to upgrade the facility, ensuring proper ventilation and shelving. I personally commit to supporting this effort,” Rimbasa said.
Although the arrival of the medicines brings some relief, concerns remain over whether future deliveries will arrive in time to avoid stockouts, especially with ongoing health challenges in the state including malaria, respiratory infections and maternal care needs.
State officials have called on the national government and donors to ensure that drug supplies remain consistent and predictable in the coming months.
