Panliet village in Awan Riau Payam of Gogrial West County, Warrap State has received its first health facility, bringing basic medical care closer to residents for the first time.
The $30,000 project is donation from the U.S.-based South
Sudan Life Care Mission (SSLCM). The construction started in November 2024 and opened
on Monday for residents to access health services.
SSLCM Executive Director Joseph Akok Deng, who is from the area,
said the idea came from personal experience.
“I know the suffering of the people here, because I lived
it. When I was shot, I spent a long time without any medication. There was
nothing to bandage my wound, and flies covered it from the moment I was injured
until I finally reached help,” Deng said.
“That pain, that helplessness, is what inspired me to come
up with this plan. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the way I did.”
Before the clinic, locals had to travel long distances to
Kuacjok, Wau, or even Twic County for treatment. Now, the new center provides
outpatient services, maternal care, immunizations, and emergency support. The
new clinic will be supported by SSLCM in terms of medical supplies and paying
staff.
Local leaders welcomed the clinic as a much-needed lifeline.
“Now that this clinic has come to our area, I appeal for the
recruitment of committed health workers, those who will not sell the medicine
meant for the community. need workers who will serve the sick faithfully
whenever help is needed,” said Angok Parek, Payam Executive Chief.
Wol Mou Ring, the paramount chief of Awan Riau community expressed
gratitude to the organization for the life-saving gift to the community.
“I encourage you to continue doing things that can be seen
and felt, not just words. For what you have already done for our people, I am
truly grateful,” Ring stated.
The chiefs said they felt that the famous quote by Dr. John
Garang De Mabior, “Take the towns to the people,” is being realized with the
arrival of a health facility in their area for the first time. They applauded
the abroad-based sons of the area for thinking of their people back in the
village.