(JUBA) – Central Equatoria State’s Acting Minister of Health, Clement Maring, has appealed to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners to sustain their support for Al-Shaba Children’s Hospital, the only children’s hospital in South Sudan, as it grapples with an increasing burden of child malnutrition and limited resources.
The appeal was made during a handover ceremony where WHO donated vital medical items, including oxygen concentrators, mattresses, beds and essential medicines. Minister Maring expressed gratitude for the support, saying WHO’s contribution is playing a significant role in saving lives and improving healthcare delivery for children.
“You are saving the people of South Sudan in this hospital,” he said. “The work is big and needs continuous support from our development partners.”
He urged Eva Gordon, the WHO representative, to relay the state’s plea to the organisation for sustained engagement. “We are still appealing for more. Let the coordination and relationship continue so that we render better services for the children,” Maring said.
Highlighting the unique role Al-Shaba plays in the country’s fragile health system, the minister noted that the hospital faces numerous challenges. “It is the only children’s hospital in South Sudan. The needs are many, but you have found the right partner to work with,” he added.
Eva Gordon said WHO’s donation demonstrates the organisation’s shared commitment with the Ministry of Health to improve child health.
“The oxygen concentrators will save lives, and the mattresses and beds will bring comfort to the most vulnerable children,” she said.
Gordon reiterated WHO’s long-term commitment to South Sudan’s health sector, emphasising that the donation is intended to contribute to a healthier future. She acknowledged the partnership with the Ministry of Health and expressed appreciation for the collaboration.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s Acting Executive Director, Joseph Gore, revealed that a sharp rise in child malnutrition cases has overwhelmed the facility. Some children have been forced to sleep on the ground or outdoors due to a shortage of beds.
“The number of cases of malnutrition has risen greatly. In the past two months, we had children sleeping on the floor and even outside,” Gore said.
He confirmed that WHO had donated 100 beds, 50 mattresses, 50 oxygen concentrators, and a range of essential drugs. However, he added that staff morale remains a challenge due to poor motivation and inadequate support.
“For staff to work well, they need motivation. That is one of the challenges we are facing,” Gore noted.