Governor Adil Tasks New Health Minister to Address Health Crisis in the State

YEI RIVER COUNTY)- The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has tasked the newly appointed State Minister of Health to develop a strong approach to address the growing health challenges affecting communities across the state.

The directive comes after several humanitarian health partners operating under the International Health Pool Fund (HPF), along with other national NGOs, suspended their health services in the state due to global funding shortages since last year.

The withdrawal of these partners has left many Primary Health Care Centers across counties, payams, and bomas without services, forcing residents in some rural areas to rely on traditional remedies, including herbal treatments and tree roots.

The health funding crisis has particularly affected rural communities in Tore, Lasu, and Otogo payams, as well as other areas in Lainya, Morobo, Kajo-Keji, Juba, and Terekeka counties.

Governor Adil said the worsening health situation must be addressed urgently to ensure access to health services across all six counties of Central Equatoria State.

Speaking during the swearing in of new state and county officials at the state secretariat on Monday, Governor Adil urged the new State Minister of Health, Joice Bakuwa, to fill the gaps left by the NGOs and strengthen healthcare service delivery in the state.

“Honorable Joice Bakuwa, the Minister of Health, you should address and fill the gaps created by the NGOs that have moved out. Many of our health centers in rural areas are closing, so we must find ways to strengthen health care service delivery across all the counties of Central Equatoria State.”

Earlier this year, residents of Tore Payam told Access Radio that the deteriorating health situation has resulted in some deaths, with many patients forced to walk long distances to Maridi County or Yei Town in search of medical care