82 New Nurses and Midwives Join South Sudan’s Healthcare Ranks
By Denilson Deneki
The Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery (JCONAM) has graduated 82 new nurses and midwives, bringing a much-needed boost to the country’s healthcare sector. The 10th batch of graduates, comprising 44 nurses and 38 midwives, was awarded certificates at a ceremony held at the Nyakuron Cultural Center in Juba.
Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Health, Harriet Akello Pasquale, urged the new graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and be prepared to serve in any part of the country. “I urge the graduating nurses and midwives to represent the future of patient care and play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and families,” she said.
The Canadian government, through its embassy in Juba, has been a long-time supporter of JCONAM, providing funding for the training of midwives and nurses. Michael Rymek, Head of Cooperation at the Canadian Embassy, praised the college’s role in developing a strong and confident cadre of healthcare professionals.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called on the transitional unity government to invest more in training mid-level healthcare workers, citing a shortage of professionals in the sector. “Sustainability will only be achieved when national investment in health is prioritized,” said Suzanne Mandong, Officer in Charge at UNFPA.
Repent Khamis George, Principal of JCONAM, emphasized the need to modernize health infrastructure, including laboratories, and strengthen the curriculum to meet international standards. “We must recognize that the journey to building a robust and sustainable healthcare system in South Sudan is far from over,” he said.
Amito Kevin, a student representative of the graduates, expressed gratitude for the training and experience gained at the college. “We came from different cultures and backgrounds, but as we leave today, we go as one people, as one nation, to serve the world,” she said.
The graduation ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the government, UN agencies, and international partners, who all praised the critical role played by JCONAM in developing the country’s healthcare sector. With over 3000 frontline health workers trained since independence, the college remains a beacon of hope for improving healthcare services in South Sudan.
