Health services in Wonduruba Administrative Payam in Central Equatoria state are struggling due to drug shortages, limited patient referrals, and poor infrastructure, local authorities said.
Isaac Luparis, in charge of the payam’s health department, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that the health center has not received a drug consignment since May 2025. Only anti-malarial drugs remain, while essential medicines such as injectables and paracetamol have run out.
“Because we are far from other hospitals in Lainya and beyond, referrals are a major challenge,” Luparis said. “In emergencies, we have no ambulances. Relatives are forced to hire costly commercial vehicles from Lainya, or sometimes use motorcycles, which is particularly dangerous for women in labor.”
He said these limitations leave the community vulnerable. “We sometimes have to rescue women in labor on motorcycles because we have no other options,” Luparis added.
Towongo Stephen, administrator of Wonduruba payam, called on state and national authorities to allow humanitarian organizations access to support the facility.
“I appeal for partners to come and witness the reality on the ground. Renovation and support of the facility depend on their assessments, but most NGOs are blocked from entering and rely on second-hand information,” he said.
Wonduruba, located in Juba County, has faced long-standing health service challenges due to insecurity and logistical difficulties. Efforts to reach the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Health for comment were unsuccessful.