Healthcare Worker Shortage in South Sudan

A women seeks healthcare from NGO healthcare workers in Majok Goi, South Sudan

South Sudan’s healthcare system is in desperate need of workers. With a population of 11 million people, the doctor to population ratio is 1:65,574 and the midwife to population ratio is 1:39,088. The lack of qualified healthcare workers and healthcare training facilities limit the number of medical clinics. Currently, only 44% of South Sudan’s population lives within reach of a healthcare facility and has consistent access to healthcare services.

A man celebrates South Sudan’s Independence in 2013.

Immediately following South Sudan’s fight for independence in 2011, the government focused primarily on infrastructure repair from the war for many years. However, more recently, South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has developed a National Health Sector Strategic Plan. This plan emphasizes building community health systems as a formal structure of the national health system. As part of the Boma Healthcare Initiative (BHI), GEMS Medical Clinic in the village of Majak Goi will be a Primary Health Care Unit (PCHU).

GEMS Development Foundation has provided medical school scholarships to South Sudanese students for many years to increase the number of doctors in the country. Currently, we have three students set to graduate within the year, and two more following soon after. In addition, we will help train community health workers (CHW) to play a vital role in the healthcare system, filling critical gaps in the needed health workforce.

A community healthcare worker listens to the lungs of a child in South Sudan

The new healthcare initiative aims to promote community participation and increase the sustainability of health services. GEMS Medical Clinic in Majak Goi will focus primarily on child health, maternal care, and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases. After conducting assessments to establish baseline needs, traveling community health care workers will work with on-site staff to improve health conditions in villages in the area. Partnering with the Ministry of Health and other medical NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), GEMS Development Foundation is helping to bring much needed medical education and healthcare services to South Sudan.