South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers who have recovered after treatment at Juba Teaching Hospital have praised Chinese and South Sudanese medical teams, crediting free care provided under a bilateral health partnership for saving their lives and enabling them to return to duty.
The soldiers said the programme, run at Juba Teaching Hospital, has provided treatment for severe and life-threatening injuries at no cost under cooperation between South Sudanese authorities and Chinese medical teams.
Captain Abdhallah Buru Tongun, an SSPDF officer, said he nearly lost hope after sustaining a severe head injury during a violent family dispute over property. He said he first sought treatment at a private facility but was unable to continue due to high costs.
“I was seriously assaulted and suffered a severe head injury. My condition worsened and I feared the worst,” Tongun said. “I later learned that Chinese doctors were offering free treatment at Juba Teaching Hospital. I was treated and I am now back in my community.”
He said private treatment would have cost between 7,000 and 10,000 U.S. dollars, adding that even military salaries are often delayed or insufficient to cover such expenses.
Another beneficiary, Sergeant Major Deng Puot Yuot, said he was injured in March 2026 while working as a motorcycle taxi rider during an attack and robbery. He said he sought treatment at the hospital after hearing about the free services through radio announcements.
“I could not afford treatment at a private hospital. I came here and received free care from Chinese doctors,” he said.
South Sudanese doctor Michael Deng Achier, who works alongside the Chinese medical team, said the partnership covers ear, nose and throat, orthopaedics and general surgery services.
He said about 15 operations had been conducted, including treatment of severe head injuries. “We have seen patients with critical conditions and supported their recovery through joint work with Chinese specialists,” he said.
Achier said services are provided free of charge under cooperation between the health ministry and the Chinese government, adding that outreach programmes have also been carried out in areas including Melut County.
He urged residents to make use of the services, saying many people remain unaware they are available.
Separately, Dorothy Drabuga, chairperson of the South Sudan Land Alliance, said while the Chinese programme was valuable, the government should strengthen the national health system.
“The support from China is commendable, but we should not rely too heavily on external assistance,” she said.
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