Children's ward at Yambio State Hospital, where malaria remains the primary concern and pneumonia cases are increasing - Credit: Obaj Okuj/Eye Radio, December 12, 2024.

At Yambio State Hospital, a crowded children’s ward reflects the grim reality of two of South Sudan’s most deadly diseases: malaria and pneumonia.

With mothers sitting anxiously beside their sick children, some fanning them to provide comfort, the hospital is a frontline battleground in the fight to save young lives.

Dr. Viros Al-Haj, a dedicated medical doctor at the hospital, conducts her morning rounds with a steady yet concerned pace, checking on the little ones whose lives hang in the balance.

“Most of the cases here are malaria, and many of them are children,” she explains. “Every day, we receive at least 15 new cases of malaria, and many are diagnosed with pneumonia as well.”

The situation is overwhelming, with the hospital’s resources stretched thin and its staff tirelessly trying to provide care amidst a backdrop of severe shortages.

Dr. Najib James, a colleague working in the outpatient department, highlights the prevalence of malaria among children under five, calling it one of the most common conditions at the hospital.

“Malaria affects both children and adults, but it’s especially rampant among the under-fives,” he says. “Pneumonia is another major concern, and it affects many of our young patients.”

A daily struggle for survival

Treating malaria is a daily challenge at Yambio State Hospital, where a shortage of anti-malaria drugs leaves many families desperate.

Dr. Al-Haj notes, “Sometimes we have malaria drugs, but often we don’t. Recently, we received a consignment, but in many cases, patients have to buy the drugs from outside because they’re not available here.”

The shortage extends beyond medication, with limited diagnostic equipment and a lack of mosquito nets to help prevent further infections.

The situation in the laboratory is just as dire. Justin, a lab technician at the hospital, shares the difficulties faced by the medical team.

“We’re running out of reagents, and the lack of supplies makes it harder to conduct tests. We also don’t have enough lab technicians—there are only 10 of us, and we’re spread across many departments.”

Without the necessary resources and staff, diagnosing and treating diseases like malaria becomes a Herculean task.

Rising Pneumonia cases

While malaria remains the primary concern, pneumonia is also on the rise. Dr. Najib James reports an increase in cases, with many children arriving at the hospital with difficulty breathing, high fevers, and severe chest infections.

“Pneumonia under five is very common, and we’re seeing over 150 different cases a day. But malaria remains the most common.”

Voices of the mothers

Among the mothers in the ward, there is both hope and despair. Grace Peter’s children, aged three and five, are being treated for severe malaria.

“When I came here, I was told the hospital had no malaria medicine,” she recalls. “I had to go out and find money to buy the drugs from a pharmacy. It’s not easy, but my children’s lives depend on it.” For many mothers like Grace, finding the necessary medication is a constant struggle.

Anna Joseph’s two-year-old son is fighting pneumonia. “The doctors are doing their best, but there isn’t enough medicine or equipment,” she says. “We just pray our children survive.” These mothers, like so many others, are forced to face the harsh realities of a health system overwhelmed by illness and a shortage of resources.

The hospital’s strain

Dr. Konjo Samuel, the Director of Yambio State Hospital, explains that the lack of resources is a key challenge in addressing the rising number of cases.

“The main issues are financing, and we’re falling behind on renovations and improvements. We’re also facing shortages of medical supplies, particularly for the laboratory and malaria treatments. Most of the consignment we receive is for antibiotics, and the anti-malaria drugs are insufficient.”

Despite these challenges, the hospital’s staff continues to provide care, often at great personal sacrifice. The laboratory, which plays a critical role in diagnosing diseases, is severely under-resourced, making it even more difficult to respond effectively to the growing number of cases.

A call for support

Dr. Al-Haj is optimistic that with more support, Yambio State Hospital can make a significant difference in the lives of its patients.

“We need more anti-malaria drugs, oxygen supplies for pneumonia cases, and more diagnostic tools,” she says. “The situation is dire, but with the right resources, we can save more lives.”

As the hospital struggles with the double threat of malaria and pneumonia, the call for action is urgent. Without immediate intervention and support, the most vulnerable—children and mothers—will continue to suffer.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. The Health Sector Transformation Project, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF South Sudan, and international donors such as the World Bank, USAID, and the Global Fund, is already showing positive results.

Launched four months ago, the project aims to optimize limited resources, improve government coordination, and enhance accountability in the health sector.

Peter Ambaiyo, the UNICEF Officer in Charge of Greater Equatoria, credits the project for the recent improvements at Yambio Hospital.

“Since the Health Sector Transformation Project began, we’ve seen improvements in staffing, drug supplies, and overall healthcare delivery,” he explains. “It’s ensuring that communities have access to primary health care, and complicated cases are referred to secondary care.”

Hope amid the challenges

Despite the ongoing struggles, the resilience of healthcare workers, the determination of mothers seeking treatment for their children, and the commitment of organizations like UNICEF offer a glimmer of hope for Yambio.

However, sustained efforts and continued investments in healthcare infrastructure are critical to transforming this hope into lasting change.

For now, the dedicated staff at Yambio State Hospital remains on the frontlines, fighting to save lives and prevent the further spread of malaria and pneumonia.

With support and resources, there is potential for significant progress in tackling these deadly diseases and improving healthcare for the people of Yambio.

As the hospital continues to battle these challenges, the community remains hopeful that, together, they can overcome the odds and build a healthier future.