Bringing Aid to South Sudan

Returning refugees outside a health clinic in South Sudan

In the aftermath of the destruction and devastation of more than two decades of civil war, Southern Sudan is gradually moving toward recovery. While the war left an estimated 2 million people dead and more than 5.5 million people displaced, efforts are now underway to encourage resettlement and rebuild the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

AmeriCares is working with its local partner, Save the Children, to support and restock medical centers in Southern Sudan. Over the past few months, AmeriCares has delivered stethoscopes, thermometers, otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes as well as obstetric kits, dressing kits and a range of clinical equipment. These supplies have been distributed to primary healthcare centers throughout the region, which are currently providing medical services to thousands of those left displaced.

“As a result of Africa’s longest-running civil conflict, these clinics lacked even the most basic medical necessities,” says AmeriCares relief worker Andrew Heyduk. “We have been able to address their urgent needs for high-priority basic equipment. In addition, we have provided necessary clinical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, sterilizers and vacuum pumps.”

Women awaiting to see a physician at a clinic in South Sudan

This particular relief effort was made possible due to the generosity of employees at DePuy Pharmaceuticals, ALZA Corporation and Ethicon, subsidiaries of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. To date, AmeriCares has delivered medicines and medical supplies valued at more than  $3.8 million to South Sudan.

AmeriCares is also continuing its relief efforts in Darfur, the western region of Sudan.