(YAMBIO) – Ethiopian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have donated essential medicines and nutritional support to patients at Yambio State Hospital in Western Equatoria. The contribution comes at a time when the facility has been struggling with shortages of medical supplies, particularly affecting mothers and children.
The peacekeepers also provided postnatal care services to new mothers in the hospital’s maternity ward. Many patients and staff welcomed the support, describing it as timely given the growing gaps in health service delivery across South Sudan.
One of the beneficiaries, Mercy Bakhita Gordon, a new mother, expressed her relief following the donation.
“I am very grateful for the support. Now, I can focus on caring for my child instead of worrying about medicine,” she said.
Dr Konjo Samuel, the Medical Director of Yambio Hospital, said the intervention would help reduce pressure on the facility.
“We received vital supplies from the Ethiopian peacekeepers, particularly for mothers and children, which will fill a big gap caused by delays in our regular supplies,” he explained.
The donation included basic medicines and fortified nutritional drinks aimed at improving recovery for patients and ensuring mothers and newborns receive proper care.
Yambio State Hospital, like many health facilities in South Sudan, continues to face shortages of drugs, medical equipment, and trained personnel. Supply chain challenges, limited government funding, and delayed international support have left many hospitals unable to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.
National health experts note that strengthening maternal and child healthcare is vital for reducing mortality rates in South Sudan, where hospitals often struggle to provide adequate services.
The support is part of UNMISS’s wider approach of combining peacekeeping with community service, known locally as “hearts and minds” initiatives, to build trust between peacekeepers and the local population.
Ethiopian Peacekeepers’ Support to Yambio Hospital
| Area of Support | Impact on Patients and Staff |
|---|---|
| Donation of Medicines | Reduced drug shortages and improved treatment options |
| Nutritional Drinks | Better recovery for patients and improved maternal health |
| Postnatal Care | Enhanced care for new mothers and newborns |
| Hospital Supply Gap Filling | Relief from delays in regular supply deliveries |