By Baraka John
A team of heart specialists from Greece has successfully concluded a seven-day free medical outreach across four counties of Western Equatoria State, providing much-needed treatment for patients with heart-related and chronic illnesses.
The medical mission, organized under the Catholic organization for Development and Peace [CODPE] initiative, served communities in Yambio, Nzara, Ezo, and Tombura counties. The doctors attended to hundreds of patients, many of whom suffer from conditions that are difficult to manage due to limited access to specialized healthcare services.
The team arrived at the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio last week and began their work at the diocesan Curia, where they conducted medical assessments and consultations for religious leaders. They later extended their services to Yambio State Hospital, treating patients from the wider community.
According to the director of CODEP, Rev. Charles Mbikoyo, the outreach aimed to strengthen local health services by offering both general and specialized care, with a strong focus on heart diseases and other long-term medical conditions.
The mission was led by Mr. Andrew Dungeneyo, who said the Greek doctors were committed to supporting vulnerable communities and complementing existing health services in the region.
The Greek doctors are sorting the medicine to be administered.
Western Equatoria State Minister of Health, Hon. James Abdalla Marona, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and lifesaving, particularly for rural populations with limited access to specialized treatment.
Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura, Yambio, praised the collaboration, highlighting it as a symbol of international solidarity between Greece and South Sudan.
“This partnership reflects our shared concern for human dignity and the importance of working together to save lives,” the Bishop said.
The seven-day medical outreach has brought relief to many patients and underscored the critical role of international cooperation in addressing healthcare gaps in Western Equatoria State.