Women Petition State Health Ministry Over Lack of Health Facility in Newsite

By Kidega Livingstone

Women from Gorobo Two in Newsite have petitioned the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Health over the lack of a health facility and poor road infrastructure, which they say continue to endanger the lives of mothers and newborns in the area.

The petition was presented to the State Minister of Health, Joyce Bakwa Agole, following concerns raised by women and community leaders during an advocacy engagement organized by Global Voice Organization.

The women highlighted the absence of a nearby health facility and poor road connectivity to hospitals and health centers, which they say has contributed to maternal and infant deaths during childbirth.

Speaking during the presentation of the petition on Tuesday, Global Voice Organization representative Jelly Justin said traditional birth attendants in the area shared numerous challenges they face while assisting women in labor.

“Due to the lack of formal training, medical equipment, and access to skilled healthcare services, some mothers and their babies lose their lives during childbirth,” Justin said.

He noted that women in Gorobo Two are often forced to travel long distances to seek medical care, a situation made worse by poor roads, especially during the rainy season.

Community women leader Mama Joice Jole said expectant mothers face significant difficulties accessing health services in Juba and Munuki due to the lack of ambulance services and impassable roads.

“We have brought our concerns to the Minister of Health so that the government can support us by establishing a health facility in our area. Women are suffering because they have nowhere nearby to seek medical attention,” she said.

Jole added that pregnant women often rely on traditional birth attendants because of the distance to the nearest health centers, exposing them to increased risks during delivery.

In response, Central Equatoria State Minister of Health Joyce Bakwa Agole welcomed the petition and assured the women that the ministry would work towards addressing their concerns.

“We appreciate the concerns raised by the women of Gorobo Two. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and the ministry will explore ways of establishing a health facility in the area to improve maternal and child health services,” Agole said.

She further pledged to engage the State Ministry of Roads and Bridges to address the poor road network.

“Regarding the road issue, I will personally engage the Minister of Roads and Bridges so that the road can be repaired. This will enable vehicles and motorcycles to transport mothers to hospitals and nearby health facilities, especially during emergencies,” she said.

The petition comes amid ongoing efforts by the government and development partners to improve healthcare access in underserved communities across Central Equatoria State.

Health experts have repeatedly emphasized that improved maternal healthcare services, skilled birth attendance, and reliable road infrastructure are critical to reducing maternal and newborn deaths in South Sudan