Juba) – A group of Sudanese eye specialists has arrived in South Sudan’s capital to begin a free eye care campaign targeting thousands of people in need of specialist treatment. The outreach which will run from 30 June to 11 July at Juba Teaching Hospital is expected to benefit thousands of residents suffering from visual impairments.
The medical team is part of a regional initiative led by the Sudan branch of Al-Basar International Foundation in partnership with the African Cooperation Association. The campaign is also supported by South Sudan’s Ministry of Health and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.
According to Abu Ubaidah Mokhtar, Director of Medical Campaigns for Al-Basar’s Sudan office, the programme aims to screen up to 8,000 patients, conduct 800 eye surgeries, and distribute 2,000 pairs of eyeglasses. “We are happy to be in Juba to carry out this campaign,” he said.
The campaign comes at a critical time for South Sudan’s health sector, which continues to face challenges due to limited medical infrastructure, a shortage of trained professionals, and funding gaps. This collaborative effort with Sudan offers much-needed relief to patients who would otherwise struggle to access specialised eye care.
Dr Aja Paul Kuol, a leading ophthalmologist and head of the South Sudan Ophthalmological Association, welcomed the visiting doctors. “Your presence in South Sudan is highly welcomed and valued by the country’s leadership,” she told the team during their arrival.
The eye care services will include diagnosis, treatment, surgeries for cataracts and other eye conditions and free eyeglass distribution. The services will be offered entirely free of charge at Juba Teaching Hospital for the duration of the campaign.
Yahya Mohammed Osman, Head of Media and Culture at Sudan’s Embassy in Juba, said the campaign is a demonstration of continued cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. “This is part of our support for those in need of specialised eye care,” he said, adding that the programme would soon be extended to other regions outside the capital.
This marks the second time Al-Basar International Foundation has carried out a similar campaign in South Sudan.
The Foundation has operations in multiple countries across Africa and the Middle East and is known for organising mobile clinics and eye surgeries in underserved communities.
