The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday donated 27 tons of assorted medical supplies to the government of South Sudan to help the country’s fragile health system. The donation is the final batch which include medicines and medical equipment.
Last Saturday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donated its first batch of 27 tons of food aid and non-food items to the ministry of humanitarian affairs to help respond to emerging food needs across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Juba, Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng said that the medical supplies would be distributed to the 10 states and three administrative areas to address the medical needs arising from the return of people from Sudan.
“The items we have seen today are going to be taken to the 10th state plus three administrative areas. The whole cargo plane is full of those medical essentials, and as all of you know very well, our program government of sales done is to take the returnees back to their communities. That means that the healthcare system is already overburdened,” she said.
She emphasized the timeliness of Saudi Arabia’s support, stating, “The health system is already weak to begin with in South Sudan. So, with the upsurge of returnees and vulnerable people coming, it means that we need more resources. So, the items I have received here today are going to fill in the gap.”
Meanwhile, Albino Atak Akol, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, revealed that five shipments had been received in the past five days, comprising food and non-food items such as household utensils and tents.
He expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for their support, adding, “It is the final day, and from here, we shall be preparing for the distribution.”
The donation comes in response to President Salva Kiir’s request, delivered to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdulaziz in August of this year, seeking humanitarian assistance. Each of the six cargo planes brought 27 tons of food, non-food items, and medical supplies.