Israel to Refurbish Trauma Unit at Juba Children’s Hospital

(JUBA) – Israel has announced a new partnership with the government of South Sudan to support children suffering from cardiac conditions through a new health initiative that will provide treatment both locally and abroad.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, by the Israeli Ambassador to South Sudan, Gershon Kedar, following a meeting with South Sudan’s Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial. The meeting focused on new health projects being supported by Israel to improve child healthcare in the country.

Ambassador Kedar introduced the “Safe Child’s Heart” initiative, which aims to treat children diagnosed with heart problems. While some procedures will be carried out in South Sudan, most of the advanced surgeries and interventions are expected to take place in Israel, where specialist facilities and equipment are available.

He said the programme is designed to provide urgent cardiac treatment and to strengthen South Sudan’s long term medical capacity through training and investment.

In addition to the heart treatment programme, the Ambassador said Israel plans to refurbish the trauma unit at Alsabah Children’s Hospital in Juba. The plan includes equipping the unit with advanced medical equipment and offering specialised training to South Sudanese medical personnel working in the hospital.

Israel has been an active partner in South Sudan’s health sector, particularly in maternal and child health.

The new initiative is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the medical field and improve access to critical health services for vulnerable children in need of cardiac care.

No financial figures were immediately provided. It was alsso not made clear whether services mentioned are expected to be offered free of charge to eligible children.

The Ministry of Health welcomed the announcement and pledged its full support for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in a country where access to specialised paediatric care remains limited.