Kajo-Keji IDPs Face Health Crisis as Medical Services Dwindle

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – More than 10,000 internally displaced people in Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State are facing a worsening health crisis due to a lack of essential medical services, according to local health authorities.

The displaced families are currently sheltering in five IDP camps in Liwolo Payam after fleeing their homes following clashes between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) along the border in late June this year.

Speaking to Access Radio, Kajo-Keji County Health Director Gonda George said the situation has left many displaced people with little or no access to healthcare, forcing some to depend on traditional herbs for treatment.

George called on humanitarian organisations and health partners to urgently deploy mobile medical teams to the affected camps, including Sokore, Mangalatore, Logo, Kirwa and Korjo.

“We are appealing to humanitarian partners to support us with mobile medical services in the five IDP camps in Liwolo Payam. Access to healthcare remains a major challenge, and the displaced people are struggling to receive the treatment they need,” he said.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns that the county’s limited health services could deteriorate further, with humanitarian agencies Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and GOAL reportedly preparing to scale down or withdraw their operations due to funding constraints.

Health officials warn that without immediate intervention, thousands of vulnerable displaced people, including women and children, could face increased risks of disease and other health complications.