human toll of conflict and violence strains healthcare system

Juba, South Sudan (ICRC) — In recent months, hospitals in South Sudan have been facing an influx of weapon-wounded patients due to renewed clashes across the country. As a result, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in close cooperation with the South Sudanese Red Cross Society (SSRC), scaled up its emergency response, including support to local clinics and hospitals, and life-saving evacuations and surgeries for the wounded.

’The impact of the armed conflict and violence on people in South
Sudan is devastating,” said Pierre Dorbes, the head of the ICRC
delegation in Juba. “We see terrible injuries, and often airlifting
patients from remote areas is the only way to save their lives.”

Following
the latest escalation of violence in the Jonglei state and Greater
Pibor Administrative Area, the ICRC has treated over 120 patients,
including 41 weapon-wounded people it airlifted from the area. Last year
the organization transported and treated 384 weapon-wounded patients in
its surgical units at Akobo Hospital and Juba Military Hospital. To
enhance surgical capacity, the ICRC has constructed a new Operation
Theatre in the hospital the ICRC supports in Juba improving the quality
of services.

Although the revitalized peace agreement is still
holding, significant challenges remain in South Sudan, making it one of
the world’s forgotten crises. Clashes in many parts of the country,
including the most recent ones, have killed and injured scores of people
and displaced thousands. The recurrence of violence and conflict has
been one of the dominant drivers of widespread food shortage in South
Sudan, making the population more vulnerable to the ongoing crisis.

In
cooperation with the SSRC, the ICRC continues helping people affected
by conflict and violence to cope with emergencies and to build
resilience in the face of the protracted crisis, despite numerous
security and logistical constraints. Supporting people to access
essential services in areas affected by conflict and violence is the
organization’s priority.

“Civilians in places like
Upper Nile, Warrap, and Jonglei State have endured horrific suffering,
and we call on all armed actors to respect and protect them – to respect
the basic rules of International Humanitarian Law and principles of
humanity,” Mr. Dorbes added. This is the reason why ICRC engages with
armed actors and authorities to improve understanding and respect for
the law. “We also ask anyone involved to do everything in their power
to facilitate the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid.”

Source: ICRC