Sudan – Supporting the Reconstruction of a Health Training Institute
Just one doctor is available for every 100,000
people in the region, while only 5% of births
are attended by a health care professional.
With a population of more than 40 million people, it is estimated that at least 17,000 health care professionals are needed. However, the reality is that only 4,600 are available.
In response to these stark facts, more than 140 religious congregations have come together to collaborate on a new programme entitled Solidarity with Southern Sudan.The programme is aimed at combating the shortage of trained professionals in both primary health care and education.
Plans are underway to completely restore an old abandoned Health Training Institute in Wau, the south western city on the bank of the Jur River. The Institute was originally built in the late 1970s and was staffed and administered by the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference through their collaboration with the Government of Southern Sudan. The institute closed in the mid-nineties, due to war in the region, and has not yet re-opened.
In 2009, Misean Cara allocated funding to Solidarity with Southern Sudan via two member organisations, La Saint Union and the Faithful Companions of Jesus, in support of the reconstruction of the Institute. It is planned that the Institute will be a first class facility and will be staffed by experienced and committed tutors. It will be regarded as a National College of Nurses’ Training.
The Institute will ensure that there are more
trained health workers servicing the region, and
will help to address the shortage of clinics,
trained medical staff and medicines that are
currently denying the people of South Sudan
their right to the highest attainable standard
of health.