By Dogga Luwo
At least 115 students have graduated from Yei Health Science Institute (YHSCI), injecting new professionals into South Sudan’s healthcare system.
The dual ceremony, Wednesday, April 23rd, combining the 22nd and 23rd graduations, marked the culmination of training for 115 students in health fields, including Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Technicians.
Families cheered, ululations filled the air, and colourful graduation gowns stood out as the graduates marked the end of years of study and practical training.
South Sudan continues to face significant health challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to qualified medical personnel remains limited, and preventable diseases contribute heavily to morbidity and mortality.
The graduates, comprising 58 nurses, 33 midwives and 25 Medical Laboratory Technicians, are stepping directly to fill this gap.
For the graduates, the day was a mixture of relief, excitement, and determination.
In his keynote address, Emmanuel Taban Seme, Commissioner of Yei River County, underscored the need to strengthen health training institutions across South Sudan.
He encouraged the Institute to expand its academic offerings and called on the national government to absorb qualified health graduates into the civil service to enhance healthcare delivery.
Representing the National Ministry of Health, Rev. Janet K. Michael, Director General for Nursing and Midwifery, applauded the resilience of YHSI staff and urged continued stakeholder support.
She also reminded graduates to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in their careers.
For his part, Principal of the Institute Kuol Ajok Wad Deng highlighted the Institute’s journey since its founding in Chukudum in 1995 and relocation to Yei in 1999.
Now operating as a diploma-awarding institution, YHSI offers five programs: Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, Clinical Medicine, and Pharmacy.
He noted a current enrollment of 283 students, with 61 expected to graduate in November 2025. The June 2025 intake will admit students in Nursing, Midwifery, and Lab Technology, while Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy will commence in September.
He further highlighted several institutional achievements, such as the well-equipped skills and computer labs established with UNFPA support, creative income-generating projects exemplified by an on-campus coffee kiosk, and a commitment to continuous faculty improvement through tutorship training.
Despite these gains, the Institute continues to face challenges such as inadequate sanitation and power infrastructure, a shortage of training materials and teaching staff, and concerns over financial sustainability.
Delivering a message on behalf of UNFPA, Suzanne Mandong celebrated the graduates’ dedication and urged them to serve communities with compassion, competence, and courage.
“You are the heartbeat of a healthier South Sudan. The health of a nation rests in your hands, and we are all better for it,” she said.
Continued support from health partners such as the Government of Canada, Norwegian People’s Aid, NMFA, NORAD, AMREF, and others greatly contributed to the development of Yei Health Science Institute.
