China and South Sudan Mark Progress on Juba Teaching Hospital Expansion

(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan and the People’s Republic of China marked a major milestone on 1 July 2025 with the topping out ceremony of Phase II of the China-aided Juba Teaching Hospital project.

The event celebrated the completion of the hospital’s main structure, bringing the crucial healthcare infrastructure project one step closer to full operation.

The ceremony held at the construction site in Juba was attended by over 200 guests, including His Excellency Ambassador Ma Qiang of China and South Sudan’s Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial.

Officials from various government ministries, representatives of the Chinese Medical Team, staff of the Juba Teaching Hospital and members of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) were also present.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ma described the project as a symbol of the strong and enduring friendship between China and South Sudan. He noted that the expansion of the Juba Teaching Hospital is a clear example of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), under which China and African nations are working together to support health, development and shared prosperity.

“This hospital reflects China’s commitment to strengthening public health systems in South Sudan and across Africa,” said Ambassador Ma. “It is a contribution to the health and well being of the South Sudanese people and part of our broader efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity.”

The ambassador added that China remains committed to advancing the ten cooperation plans agreed upon under the China-Africa modernization partnership, focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and economic development.

Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial expressed her gratitude for China’s continued support, particularly in the health sector. She said that the ongoing hospital expansion is a significant step forward in improving medical services in the country and strengthening national health institutions.

“China has been a reliable partner in our journey to improve healthcare for the people of South Sudan,” the minister said. “The completion of this hospital phase will allow more people to access quality services and will promote long-term development in our health sector.”

At the ceremony, Ambassador Ma and other dignitaries symbolically poured the final batch of concrete into the hospital structure, signifying the official completion of the main building phase.

The expansion of Juba Teaching Hospital under Phase II includes the construction of modern facilities to improve treatment, teaching and medical training capacity.

The hospital serves as South Sudan’s national referral facility and plays a major role in the training of local health professionals.

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