Juba Teaching Hospital Receives Crucial Donation to Improve Waste Management

By Fuli Dickens Isaac

Armref Health Africa, in collaboration with UNFPA South Sudan, donated two dustbins to Juba Teaching Hospital on Thursday. The initiative aims to promote cleanliness and improve the hospital’s healthcare environment.

Zacharia Malel, the President of the Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan (AGOSS), emphasized the vital role these dustbins will play in curbing the spread of diseases. He highlighted that effective waste management is essential for reducing mortality rates in the country, particularly in hospitals where patients are already vulnerable.

“The existence of proper waste disposal facilities like these dustbins is crucial in minimizing airborne diseases caused by the unpleasant smells associated with waste products,” Malel stated. He urged the management of Juba Teaching Hospital to utilize the donations effectively to protect patients and staff alike.

The installation of the dustbins was demonstrated by the hospital’s cleaning staff, showcasing their importance in maintaining hygiene across the facility. Malel called on other partners to increase their support for Juba Teaching Hospital, which serves as a critical healthcare institution in South Sudan.

Lucky Gloria Ambrose, the Assistant Medical Director of Juba Teaching Hospital, expressed appreciation for the timely support. She noted that the hospital has been grappling with challenges in waste management due to a lack of financial resources to hire proper waste collection services.

“There has been cabbage collected for almost two weeks, and without funds to clear it away from the hospital compound, it poses a significant health risk for patients receiving treatment,” Gloria explained. She called on UNFPA and Armref Health Africa to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure continued support for major health institutions like Juba Teaching Hospital.

The donation from Armref Health Africa and UNFPA marks a proactive step in addressing pressing environmental health challenges in hospitals, highlighting the need for ongoing community and international partnerships to bolster public health in South Sudan.