Al Sabah Specialized Children’s Hospital is currently facing a safety concern, with approximately 50 street dogs residing on its grounds, posing a safety risk to patients and their families.
Speaking during handover of medical supplies by World Health Organization, Emmanuel Gore, Acting Executive Director of Al Sabah, stated that the presence of the large pack of stray dogs now threatens the vulnerable pediatric population the hospital serves.
The substantial number of uncontrolled street dogs within a healthcare facility specifically designed for children raises questions about existing patient safety measures.
Mr. Gore said children, especially those who are ill or recovering from medical procedures, are particularly susceptible to potential attacks and the transmission of diseases from the dogs.
He, however, said hospital staff and administration are currently working to safely remove the dogs while ensuring that normal hospital operations are not disrupted.
The hospital’s director calls for immediate action from animal control authorities and public health officials to protect the safety and well-being of all patients, visitors, and medical personnel.
The presence of these dogs at Al Sabah presents a persistent problem in Juba: the growing menace of stray dog populations.
For years, residents in Juba and other parts of the country have raised concerns about the unchecked growth of unvaccinated stray dogs, with reports of increased cases of dog bites and fears of rabies transmission, particularly among children.
In some states, local authorities have resorted to culling measures to manage overwhelming numbers and protect communities.
This infiltration of the hospital calls for a need for comprehensive animal control measures, particularly in and around sensitive facilities such as hospitals, schools, and other public institutions that serve vulnerable populations.
