UAE Inaugurates Madhol Field Hospital To Enhance Healthcare Access In South Sudan

The United Arab Emirates has opened the Madhol Field Hospital in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan. This initiative, guided by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlights the UAE's dedication to humanitarian efforts. The hospital aims to improve healthcare access for communities facing medical challenges, especially those affected by diseases like malaria due to limited medical services.

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, emphasised the UAE's commitment to supporting communities through developmental and charitable projects. He stated that these initiatives reflect the legacy of generosity established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and align with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The focus is on addressing healthcare challenges and providing sustainable solutions in regions with significant shortages in essential services.

The Madhol Field Hospital, with a 100-bed capacity and specialised clinics, is designed to serve approximately two million people. It will cater to the host community, South Sudanese returning from Sudan, and Sudanese refugees in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state. This facility is the third healthcare establishment by the UAE for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries, following hospitals in Amdjarass and Abéché, Chad.

Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, highlighted that bilateral relations between the UAE and South Sudan are advancing across various sectors. The healthcare sector is a global priority aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. Establishing medical infrastructure like public hospitals and specialised centres aims at capacity building and addressing future health challenges.

Sheikh Shakhboot underscored the UAE’s unwavering commitment to addressing crises like that in Sudan since April 2023. The UAE focuses on prioritising civilians' needs during humanitarian emergencies. Sheikh Shakhboot stated that "humanitarian aid and protection of civilians have served as the foundation of the UAE's policy" since its inception.

Dr. Humphrey Karamagi from WHO praised the UAE’s international humanitarian efforts in Africa’s healthcare sector. He noted that projects like Madhol Field Hospital aim to meet millions' needs and enhance healthcare services for surrounding regions, including refugees.

Significant Financial Support

The UAE announced an additional USD 200 million aid during a conference for Sudan held in Addis Ababa. This conference marks a starting point for future initiatives aimed at assisting Sudanese people. Since the crisis began, over USD 600 million has been provided by the UAE for humanitarian responses.

Simon Uber Mawut, Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, expressed gratitude towards the UAE for constructing Madhol Field Hospital. He remarked that this development addresses regional health challenges and marks a historic day for Northern Bahr el Ghazal residents.

Over the past decade, USD 3.5 billion has been allocated by the UAE as humanitarian aid to Sudan. This substantial support underscores their commitment to aiding those in need during crises.

With inputs from WAM