Mobile Clinic Brings Vital Health Care to Bor Residents

(BOR, JONGLEI STATE) – For 52 year old Mary Ajah Deng, every day is a struggle against diabetes. Her eyesight has grown blurry, and slow healing wounds on her leg have made it difficult for her to walk.

Her 17 year old daughter now juggles the demands of school with caring for her mother.

Mary was one of 135 patients treated for non communicable diseases during a free medical camp organised by Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The event was hosted at the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor.

“I am grateful to live another day,” Mary said after her consultation. “Despite all my suffering, I feel huge relief after my blood sample was taken, I was examined and provided with medications.”

The treatment and medicines were provided at no cost, representing a substantial saving for patients who might otherwise have had to pay thousands of South Sudanese Pounds for private care.

Mary will continue to receive follow-up advice and occasional treatment at the UNMISS Level II hospital in Bor.

Dr. Kwai Deng Kwai, head of the university’s health department, said the clinic was a rare and valuable service for the local population, who often face long distances and high costs to access medical care.

“These health screenings and check ups are rarely done in our communities,” Dr. Kwai said. “It is a chance for all of us to improve our health.”

Lieutenant Colonel Dishani Mendis, deputy commanding officer of the UNMISS Level II hospital, said the mobile clinic was part of the mission’s broader work to protect civilians.

“People are really suffering,” she said. “We are doing our best to support them by holding consultations, analysing blood samples, advising on diet and personal health care, as well as providing some medications.”