(Juba) – The Chinese government in partnership with the Government of South Sudan on Tuesday marked a major milestone in the development of South Sudan’s public health sector by celebrating the top out of the second phase of the China supported expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital.
The project, led by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), will add a 16,000 square metre medical complex to the country’s only national referral hospital. The new wing will feature six specialised medical departments and hundreds of additional beds. It is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The development is part of a broader effort to strengthen South Sudan’s healthcare infrastructure, which has faced considerable pressure due to population growth and years of underfunding. Once completed, the expanded facility is expected to significantly improve the hospital’s capacity to treat patients and provide specialist care within the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Anthony Lupai, Director General of Juba Teaching Hospital, said the expansion is essential to meeting the country’s growing healthcare demands.
“We are expanding the hospital to meet growing needs, provide more services and accommodate the expanding population,” said Lupai. He thanked the Chinese government for its continued commitment to South Sudan’s health system, calling China “a true friend.”
He noted that China’s support goes beyond infrastructure, highlighting the Chinese medical teams working alongside South Sudanese doctors to provide treatment and conduct outreach programmes across the country.
“The mutual relationship between China and South Sudan has been proven beyond doubt by the presence of the Chinese people here, just as South Sudanese are in China for various activities,” he added.
South Sudan’s Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Hassan, praised China’s long standing support for development in the country, recalling past projects, including the construction of the Clement Mboro Bridge when she was governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal.
“China has significantly contributed to health services and other development areas in South Sudan. Growing up in Juba in the early 70s, we saw Chinese doctors treating South Sudanese. This is a long-standing relationship, and we are deeply grateful,” said Cleto. “As health minister, I commit to continuing this partnership.”
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan Ma Qiang described the hospital expansion as a reflection of strong bilateral cooperation and a joint effort rooted in mutual respect and support.
“This project is the crystallisation of the efforts and wisdom of both nations,” said Ambassador Ma. “Despite global challenges, China–South Sudan cooperation remains strong.”
He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Health, Juba Teaching Hospital, and other partners for their continued support in health collaboration between the two nations.
At present, South Sudan’s health sector is heavily reliant on external assistance. A struggling economy and limited public funding makes local infrastructure development difficult to sustain without foreign aid.
Health experts say the expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital could reduce the number of patients referred abroad for treatment and allow more citizens to access care at home. The initiative is also expected to create job opportunities for local medical personnel and contribute to the training of South Sudanese health workers.
The expansion also marks a new chapter in China’s involvement in South Sudan and signals a deepening of the countries’ cooperation, particularly in social development and healthcare.
