WHO Supplies Al Sabbah Children Hospital, South Sudan
Al Sabbah Children’s Hospital: A Lifeline for South sudan’s Most Vulnerable, Bolstered by WHO Support
Juba, South Sudan – Al Sabbah Children’s Hospital stands as a beacon of hope in South Sudan, the nation’s sole tertiary referral children’s hospital. Its stabilization center is a critical hub, receiving approximately one thousand children each month suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) from across the country. This immense demand places a significant strain on the hospital’s resources,highlighting the urgent need for medical supplies and equipment.
Despite operating with just over 100 health workers, Al Sabbah Children’s Hospital not only manages the overwhelming patient load but also actively engages in clinical training for students from both public and private institutions. The World Health Association (WHO) in South Sudan, through its nutrition team, has been a steadfast partner and advocate, providing crucial technical and logistical support in vital areas.
Dr. Joseph Elias, the acting Executive Director of Al Sabbah, expressed profound gratitude for WHO’s ongoing assistance. “We know that the patients exceed the hospital’s capacity, which affects the access to timely and quality healthcare,” Dr.Elias stated. “Having partners such as WHO supporting Al Sabbah Children’s Hospital is a godsend for both the health workers and the families.”
A recent significant contribution from WHO, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), saw the handover of essential pediatric beds, mattresses, oxygen concentrators, spare parts, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) kits, and pulse oximeters. This delivery was met with deep emotion by the hospital personnel, who frequently face situations where patient numbers far outstrip available beds and supplies.
Betty Achan, a nutritionist at Al Sabbah’s stabilization center for over a decade, shared her heartfelt appreciation. “Look at this beautiful ward. These beds were really needed,” she said.”Receiving them from WHO was a relief. We have so many children, and it is heartbreaking to tell a family that you have nowhere to put their sick child. Please go be our ambassadors and advocate more. We need more over everything as the demand is so high.”
South Sudan grapples with pervasive challenges, particularly within its health sector, leaving children exceptionally vulnerable. monthly pediatric death audits at Al Sabbah reveal a stark reality: 50% of all deaths occur within the stabilization center. In the first quarter of 2025,mortality rates at the center ranged between a concerning 14% and 19%.The primary drivers of these alarming figures are Malaria, Pneumonia, Sepsis, and Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) – conditions that pose a particularly grave threat to children due to their developing bodies’ susceptibility to infection.
The recent supplies from WHO are specifically designed to bolster the stabilization center’s capacity and the hospital’s overall ability to meet the critical needs of the children who rely on Al Sabbah for care.
Dr. Humphrey Karamagi,WHO Representative in South Sudan,reaffirmed the organization’s commitment. “These supplies are for the children. They are for the mothers who sit anxiously at their bedside. They are for the doctors and nurses who work tirelessly,” he stated. “And they are for a future where every child in South Sudan has the prospect not just to survive, but to thrive.”
Supporting Al Sabbah Children’s Hospital is an integral part of WHO’s broader commitment to advancing maternal, newborn, and child health in South Sudan, aligning with the country’s overarching health priorities.
Technical contacts:
DR Lacy Meese – mesekal [at] who.int
Close Rights – alierk [at] who.int