(JUBA) – The Ministry of Health has approved plans to upgrade two maternity facilities in Warrap State following reports of rising health concerns among communities recovering from displacement and disease outbreaks.
Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial confirmed the move after meeting Warrap Governor Bol Wek Agoth in Juba. The governor briefed her on conditions he observed during a recent tour of the state, including shortages of basic medicines and growing cases of cholera and malaria. He said many families who returned after years of conflict are living without clean water or proper shelter, making them more vulnerable to illness.
Minister Cleto said many of the problems were linked to the destruction of clinics, schools and homes during past communal clashes. She noted that preventable illnesses were still claiming lives due to poor access to treatment and weak infrastructure.
To reduce maternal and infant deaths, the minister said two existing maternity facilities in Warrap would be selected for immediate upgrades and new equipment.
A committee will travel to the state to inspect Primary Health Care Units and Centres before choosing the final locations. No figures were released but typical refurbishment costs for similar facilities in South Sudan are very high depending on size and equipment needs.
The minister and governor also agreed to strengthen the Kuajok Health Science Institute, which trains nurses and midwives for service in rural areas. Both officials described it as essential for building a self reliant local workforce instead of depending on outside aid.
Health analysts say Warrap’s situation reflects wider pressures across South Sudan as communities return from displacement to find damaged or abandoned public services. The government hopes that targeted investment in key health facilities, combined with training programmes, will improve services without waiting for large international funding.
The Ministry of Health is expected to announce the selected maternity centres once assessments are complete. Local leaders say the upgrade will help restore public trust in state services and reduce the number of mothers dying while giving birth at home.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Warrap State, South Sudan (Meeting held in Juba) |
| Key Officials Involved | Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial, Warrap Governor Bol Wek Agoth |
| Main Announcement | Upgrade and equipping of two maternity facilities in Warrap State |
| Reason for Intervention | Rising maternal and infant deaths; shortages of medicine; increase in cholera and malaria cases |
| Challenges Reported | Lack of clean water, inadequate shelter, destroyed health infrastructure due to past conflicts |
| Next Steps | Committee to assess and select two Primary Health Care Units or Centres for upgrades |
| Additional Initiative | Support pledged for Kuajok Health Science Institute to train local health workers |
| Estimated Upgrade Cost Range | NA |
| Expected Outcome | Improved maternal care, increased access to trained health professionals, stronger rural health system |
