(Juba) – Chinese doctors provided free medical services to students at the University of Juba on Friday, in an ongoing effort by China to support healthcare access in South Sudan. The outreach was organised by the 12th batch of the Chinese medical team currently stationed in the country.
The visit took place at the university’s main campus in Juba, where hundreds of students sought medical help. Among them was Kong Jor Koryom, a 34 year old electrical engineering student who has been suffering from a recurring eye condition since 2023. Exposure to bright light triggers severe pain and itching in his eyes, making it difficult for him to study at night.
“Even when I wake up, I find that my eyes are very dirty,” Koryom explained. He had previously consulted private clinics without relief. “Today, I came to the Chinese medical team and they gave me drugs and eye drops. I am hoping they are more effective than the ones we have in the market,” he said.
Nhial Wanmaz, a 30 year old public administration student, was another beneficiary. He sought treatment for chronic back and stomach pain, which he said had made concentrating on his studies difficult.
“I explained my condition to the Chinese doctors, and they gave me drugs which I am going to take. I am hopeful these will relieve my pain,” he said.
Suzan Peter Ladu, the director of the University of Juba clinic, praised the Chinese doctors for offering consistent support. Since early 2024, the team has sent specialists to the clinic three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, to run referral services for students, university staff, and surrounding communities.
Gift Gibson Natana, deputy director general at Juba Teaching Hospital, said the Chinese medical support extends beyond students and university staff. Families of staff members have also benefitted from the collaborative programme, which he described as vital to the university’s health services.
The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, Annin Ngot Ngot Mou, thanked the Chinese medical team for their commitment and urged them to extend their outreach to other institutions, including the University of Bahr el Ghazal, Rumbek University of Science and Technology, and Upper Nile University.
“This University of Juba clinic is sometimes a comprehensive medical care centre, treating both out-patients and in-patients during emergencies. The Chinese people are very committed,” he said.
Li Wancheng, the counselor for economic and commercial affairs at the Chinese Embassy in South Sudan, highlighted the broader contributions of Chinese medical teams in the country. In addition to free consultations, the teams have donated food, medical equipment, and supplies to vulnerable groups, including local orphanages.
“The team members have always been committed to improving the health and well-being of local people. These contributions made by the Chinese medical teams in South Sudan have been and will always be a valuable legacy in China–South Sudan friendship,” Li stated.
China has maintained a longstanding medical cooperation with South Sudan, with each successive team contributing to healthcare delivery in underserved areas, often where national resources are limited.
While there is no exact financial figure tied to the university outreach, similar healthcare programmes are usually valued at several hundred thousand US dollars annually, depending on the scope of medicines, logistics and personnel.
