The international medical organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has donated essential medicines and mosquito nets to Yambio State Hospital to address a surge of malaria cases during the rainy season.
The donation, handed over this week, includes anti-malaria drugs and nets for new mothers, according to the hospital’s medical director.
Mario Fernando, MSF’s project coordinator for emergency response based in Juba, said the organization has been responding to emergencies in South Sudan for more than 20 years.
“In recent weeks, we delivered anti-malaria drugs through UNICEF, and today we are again supporting Yambio State Hospital with essential medicines,” Fernando said on Friday.
He emphasized that MSF’s work is guided by neutrality, impartiality and independence and that the group is monitoring health situations in several counties, including Ezo, Tambura and Mundri. However, he noted that insecurity in some areas restricts humanitarian access.
“We urge humanitarian actors to create safe and coordinated platforms to ensure timely delivery of life-saving support to all affected communities,” Fernando said.
Dr. Rose Obede, the medical director of Yambio State Hospital, said the supplies are timely but insufficient to meet the growing demand. She called on the National Ministry of Health to strengthen supply systems and reduce dependence on humanitarian aid.
Dr. Konjo Samuel, the state medical director, said the last major support was received in April and the new supplies will help bridge current shortages.
Pharmacist Mark Waiwai of Yambio State Hospital said several public health facilities in Western Equatoria State have been out of stock of essential medicines.
The country’s health system, one of the world’s most fragile, is characterized by severe infrastructure gaps, chronic government underfunding, and a critical shortage of healthcare workers.