Hundreds of residents of Akobo County in Jonglei State expressed their deep dissatisfaction with government neglect and the lack of medical services, taking to the streets in protest on Wednesday morning.
Organized by local activists and community leaders in Akobo Town, the demonstrators who spoke to Radio Tamazuj accused national and state health authorities of neglect. The protesters carried posters highlighting the devastating impact of the healthcare crisis, stating that children, women, and men are losing their lives due to a lack of access to essential medical care.
Galuit Chuol, a youth leader in Akobo, highlighted the dire situation, stating, “The people of Akobo have taken to the streets to protest poor healthcare, which is putting the lives of citizens at risk. Since August of this year, there have been no medicines at the hospital, and as a result, 29 people have died within a short period of time due to inadequate healthcare. This has prompted the community of Akobo to demonstrate and send a message to the authorities, highlighting the dire health conditions in the country.”
“Citizens of Akobo are calling on the government of South Sudan to understand what is happening, and they want their voices heard by the Minister of Health and health partners. They want to inform the authorities and partners that people are dying due to poor healthcare,” he added.
Another resident of Akobo, who identified herself only as Nyakech, said, “We are currently demonstrating because of the poor health conditions and the lack of medicines at the hospital. People are dying in Akobo because the health facility has been without medicines for a long period of time.” She called on the concerned authorities to provide medicines to the suffering people in Akobo County.
Meanwhile, Akobo County Health Director Char Choat confirmed that the only health facility had been shut down due to a lack of medicines and other services, prompting the locals to stage protests.
“The hospital is empty now, and people are dying of diseases. The donation we received from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been used up, and there are no drugs for those who come to seek treatment at the hospital,” he said.
When Radio Tamazuj contacted Lual Monyluak, the Jonglei State Minister of Health, he acknowledged the protests and reassured residents that the government was aware of their plight.
Minister Monyluak urged patience, saying, “We are aware of the difficult conditions the people of Akobo are facing. This situation is not unique to Akobo, and we are working hard with our partners to bring relief. Very soon, medicines and fuel for generators will be delivered to help the community.”
Despite the government’s assurances, the residents remain desperate, calling for immediate intervention to alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions.
South Sudan has very poor health indicators, including limited access to health services. Government funding for health is low, at less than 2% of the national budget.
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