Photo Credit|Courtesy

The newborn unit at Al-Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba has been renovated and equipped with a dedicated solar power system following an intervention by the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs.

The project comes after years of challenges at the facility, where a leaking roof, cracked walls and frequent power outages affected the quality of care for newborn babies. The unreliable electricity supply also disrupted the hospital’s oxygen generation system, which is critical for treating seriously ill infants.

According to the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy, the renovation followed assessment visits and consultations with the hospital’s management. The work included replacing the roof, repairing damaged walls and installing a solar energy system to provide uninterrupted electricity to the newborn unit and the oxygen plant.

Speaking in a video released by the Office, Justin, a hospital representative, said the solar installation fulfills one of the commitments made by Senior Presidential Envoy Hon. Adut Kheer.

“One of the commitments was solar because we have electrification and power issues. The solar being installed will support the newborn unit and the oxygen generator to produce oxygen for the hospital,” he said.

Justin added that the upgraded unit is expected to accommodate about 50 newborns once fully operational.

“They will be in a better place, and we’re happy for that. We thank her for her generosity,” he said.

The Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy said the dedicated solar system will ensure a reliable power supply for essential medical equipment and oxygen production, reducing disruptions to critical neonatal services.

The renovated ward is expected to provide a safer and more suitable environment for newborn care, with officials describing the project as part of broader efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services in South Sudan.