Health worker found dead in Akobo, doctors urges probe

JUBA — A South Sudan medical doctor working for Care International as an emergency health manager in Jonglei state’s Akobo has been found dead with authorities yet to establish his death.

The South Sudan Doctors’ Union in Juba is calling for an investigation into circumstances of his death.

Dr. Dominic Pitia, who worked for Care International as Emergency Health Manager in Akobo, was on July 27 found dead in his room in Jonglei State.

“The SSDU is calling on the Jonglei State authorities, particularly the State Police Commissioner to send an independent investigation team to Akobo to investigate the circumstances and cause of death of Dr. Dominic Pitia,” the Doctos’ Union said in a press statement extended to Sudans Post this morning.

“As we mourn the loss of our colleague, the entire medical fraternity is still in disbelieve and speculation regarding the circumstances around his death,” it said.

The Union equally urged the Unity State government to make public the outcome of an investigation into the killing of Dr. Louis Edward on May 21, 2021.

“The Governor of Unity State is directed to deploy all the security organs in the area [Ganyliel] to arrest the lead culprits and cohorts and conduct comprehensive investigation of the incident and engage the civil prosecutor in Unity State to assess the case and direct the same to the appropriate level of court,” it stated.

The group reminded the State authorities and community leaders to take up the responsibility for the protection of health workers.

“Repeated killing or mistreatment of health workers will affect the availability of health professionals to provide health services to communities in the remote areas where there is no proper law enforcement and access to justice,” it said.

The SSDU is, therefore, calling on youth groups, community leaders and local authorities in County, Payams, and Bomas to look after and protect health workers serving their people.

“Failure to do so will have serious consequences on the lives of women, children, and the elderly who need medical services most,” they said.