South Sudan’s main children’s hospital – Al Sabah – is no longer a place of healing. It has become a hazard, said Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, who issued a sobering appeal after visiting the facility.
“With tears in my eyes,” Yakani said, “I beg our leaders to act.”
According to activist Yakani, what he witnessed was not just neglect; it was a crisis of dignity and survival.
Hospital beds are so scarce that two to three children are forced to share one. Hygiene is deplorable, with overflowing waste bins, unclean wards, and a lack of basic sanitation.
Many staff lack proper medical qualifications, and some reportedly harass and intimidate patients and their families. “This is not the behavior of medical personnel,” Yakani said. “They must serve without discrimination or favoritism.”
One mother recounted how she had to leave Al Sabah for a private clinic. Her child was turned away due to a lack of space, and she feared the unhygienic conditions and untrained nurses would do more harm than good.
Yakani called on the President, Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Minister of Health, and Chairperson of the Health Committee to visit Al Sabah and witness the suffering firsthand. If not, he urged Parliament to conduct an urgent situation assessment.
He will petition the Health Committee on Monday, demanding accountability for misconduct and mismanagement. He also urged hospital administrators to address the culture of indiscipline, favoritism, and neglect among staff.
“Our oil and non-oil revenues, our taxes, none of it is reflected in Al Sabah Hospital,” he said. “This is a center meant to nurture future generations.”
