Yei Residents Welcome Life Saving Ambulance Donation

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Residents of Yei River County have welcomed the donation of a new ambulance and the repair of an old one, saying the vehicles will save lives and improve access to emergency healthcare for thousands of people.

Médecins Sans Frontières, known as MSF, handed over the new ambulance and repaired a previously broken down county ambulance during a ceremony on 3 July 2026. The event was attended by county authorities, health officials, community leaders and MSF representatives.

Community members described the development as a major boost to local healthcare services.

Laila Apai, one of the beneficiaries, said the ambulance would greatly improve access to emergency healthcare, especially for pregnant women and vulnerable patients living in rural communities.

She commended the county leadership for maintaining strong cooperation with development partners to improve public services.

“The partnership between the county authorities and MSF demonstrates a shared commitment to improving the lives of the people of Yei,” she said.

Paramount Chief Joseph Brown also expressed gratitude for the donation. He said the ambulance would save lives by improving the transportation of patients during medical emergencies. He noted that many residents in remote areas have long struggled to reach health facilities in time when faced with critical conditions.

Residents have for years faced significant transportation challenges, particularly when transferring critically ill patients and pregnant women from remote areas to health facilities. The new and repaired ambulances are expected to ease this burden considerably.

The Director of the Yei River County Health Department, Simon Musoga, said the ambulances will play a crucial role in supporting emergency referrals, maternal health services and the county’s Ebola preparedness programme.

He praised MSF for both donating the new ambulance and rehabilitating the county’s old ambulance, which had been out of service due to mechanical failure.

Dr. Morbe Taban, Medical Director of Yei Civil Hospital, said sustained collaboration among partners is vital to strengthening medical services for the population. He thanked MSF and the County Health Department for their close cooperation and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

The Commissioner of Yei River County, Hon. Samuel Henry Malimbo, described the donation as a historic milestone for the county’s healthcare system.

He expressed appreciation to MSF for its continued partnership and called

on development and health partners to sustain their support for Yei Civil Hospital.

“This ambulance will remain a remarkable contribution in the history of Yei River County. Continued collaboration with our partners is essential to addressing the challenges facing our health facilities,” the Commissioner said.

MSF representative, Omar Kan, the coordinator, said the organisation is encouraged when its interventions have a positive impact on communities.

He reaffirmed MSF’s commitment to supporting the people of Yei River County and added that the organisation would continue working closely with local authorities and health partners to provide essential healthcare services in line with its humanitarian mandate.