Health officials in Central Equatoria State have renewed calls for increased investment in nurses and midwives, warning that shortages of frontline health workers continue to weaken South Sudan’s healthcare system.
The appeal was made during the commemoration of the International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day held at Juba Teaching Hospital on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Simon Gore Augustino, the acting director general in the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Health, said the country urgently needs more nurses and midwives to meet growing healthcare demands.
He said this year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives and Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” reflects the global concern over shortages in healthcare personnel and the need to strengthen health systems through investment in frontline workers.
“The shortage of nurses and midwives remains one of the biggest challenges facing our healthcare system,” he said. “We need more trained professionals to ensure communities receive quality healthcare services.”
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12 to recognize the dedication and contributions of nurses worldwide. The day marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing. The celebration highlights the critical role nurses play in delivering healthcare services and advocating for stronger health systems.
The International Day of the Midwife is observed every year on May 5 to honor the work of midwives in protecting the health of mothers and newborns, especially in underserved communities.
Meanwhile, the acting director general of Juba Teaching Hospital, Tong Manyuat Laath, assured nurses and midwives that efforts are underway to improve their incentives within the next six months.
“We recognize the sacrifices made by nurses and midwives every day,” he said. “The hospital administration is working closely with authorities to improve incentives and support their welfare.”
The president of the South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association, Refent Khamis George, called for increased support for maternal and newborn healthcare services across the country. He noted that many women continue to die from preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate access to skilled healthcare providers.
“Maternal and newborn deaths can be prevented if we invest more in healthcare workers, equipment, and access to services, especially in rural communities,” Khamis stated.
He also commended nurses and midwives for their commitment despite facing numerous challenges, including staff shortages, limited medical supplies, and poor access to healthcare facilities.
A female nurse who works at the Juba Teaching Hospital, who attended the event, described the pressure health workers face daily in hospitals and health centers.
“We work long hours with limited medical supplies and very few staff,” she said. “Sometimes one nurse attends to dozens of patients in a single shift, which is exhausting and stressful.”
Health experts say improving the welfare of nurses and midwives and expanding training opportunities are essential steps toward strengthening South Sudan’s healthcare system and reducing maternal and newborn deaths.
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