Women petition Central Equatoria government over lack of healthcare facilities

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East Africa
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Women in Goroyom Two in New Site have petitioned the Central Equatoria State government over the lack of nearby healthcare facilities and poor road infrastructure, saying the conditions continue to put the lives of pregnant women and newborns at risk.

The petition was presented on Tuesday to Central Equatoria State Health Minister Joyce Bakwa Agole, who accepted it and pledged that the ministry would work to address the community’s concerns.

The petition follows an advocacy engagement organised by the Global Voice Organization, during which residents said the absence of a local health facility and poor road links to hospitals had made it difficult for expectant mothers to access emergency medical care.

Community leader Joice Jole said pregnant women often struggle to reach hospitals in Juba and Munuki because roads become impassable, while the area lacks ambulance services.

“We, the community, are calling for urgent action to establish a local health facility, improve road connectivity, provide emergency transport, and strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services in New Site,” Jole said.

She said similar challenges affect surrounding areas, including parts of Lainya and Wonduruba counties, where damaged health facilities, poor infrastructure and a shortage of emergency transport continue to limit access to healthcare.

Central Equatoria State, like much of South Sudan, faces persistent challenges in delivering healthcare services because of weak infrastructure, shortages of medical personnel and limited access to essential medicines, particularly in remote areas.

Health experts say expanding access to maternal healthcare, increasing the availability of skilled birth attendants and improving transport infrastructure are critical to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

Jelly Justin, a representative of the Global Voice Organization, said traditional birth attendants in the area often assist women during labour without adequate medical support.

“There are challenges that make it difficult for expectant mothers to access timely emergency care, particularly during labour and other medical emergencies,” Justin said.

Minister Agole did not provide details on specific measures the ministry would take or a timeline for addressing the community’s demands. Radio Tamazuj