WHO on 20 February handed over 12 dispensary tents and two ambulances to the Ministry of Health in support of health services in Pibor, Jonglei State.

The hand over took place during the launch of the Ministry’s Strategy for Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and is in line with WHO’s commitment to support and strengthen the Ministry of Health’s capacity in South Sudan.

Addressing community members who gathered to witness the event, WHO Medical Officer for Disease Prevention and Control, Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, expressed the organisation’s commitment to building and strengthening the health sector, not only in Pibor, but in the country as well, in line with its mandate.

“We have brought these two ambulances that we donated to the Ministry of Health so we can facilitate the transportation of emergency patients from different locations to the hospital. We are very committed to initiate a long term commitment to support and save lives,” he said before handing over the keys to the Minister of Health, Dr. Riek Gai Kok. 

The community was encouraged to make use of both the ambulance and health facilities that had been available to them. The speakers emphasized that when people fall ill their family members should not hide them at home but bring them to the health facility and if they could not transport them, the ambulance would be used.

The conflict affecting South Sudan since December 2013 has limited access to basic health services, particularly in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. Pibor is located in Jonglei.

Leaders in the area commended the Ministry of Health’s partners, such as WHO for bringing health services closer to the people.

“Our people will not have to cross boundaries to get to the nearest hospitals,” said Hon. Orozu Lokine, Secretary General of GPAA.