Lasu Residents Appeals for Better Healthcare Services

(LASU PAYAM, YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Lasu Payam in Central Equatoria State’s Yei River County have renewed calls on the government and humanitarian organisations to improve healthcare services in the area, citing severe challenges in accessing medical treatment.

Community members say the situation has worsened since the 2016 conflict, which disrupted health services and led to the withdrawal of several humanitarian health partners due to funding constraints. As a result, many residents are forced to travel long distances to Yei town or cross into the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo to seek medical care.

Local elder Seberio Luo said the lack of accessible healthcare has contributed to preventable deaths and urged authorities to invest available local resources in reviving health facilities and improving service delivery.

Women’s representative Unis Moriba said the only health centre at the Payam headquarters is no longer operational due to a shortage of medicines and health workers. She appealed for increased support for women and vulnerable groups, noting that travelling long distances for treatment exposes them to protection and safety risks.

Responding to the concerns, Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo thanked residents for raising the issue and assured them that an ambulance would be provided to support emergency referrals and improve patient transportation.

While he did not announce plans to restore medical supplies to the health centre, he emphasised the need for cooperation between communities and government institutions to strengthen healthcare services in Lasu Payam.