Lack of medical aid leaves 300 forgotten wounded veterans dead

JUBA – Representatives of South Sudan’s wounded veterans have appealed to the government to urgently improve healthcare services for wounded soldiers, saying 300 of their colleagues died over the past year after failing to access proper medical treatment.

The appeal was made during the commemoration of Martyrs’ Day on Saturday at the Veterans House in New Site, Juba.

Garang Madut, representative of the Wounded Heroes, said many former fighters continue to live with bullets and shrapnel lodged in their bodies but cannot afford medical care.

“Three hundred of our colleagues have died within one year because they could not access proper medical treatment,” Madut said.

“Many of us still have bullets in our bodies, yet we do not have money to go to the hospital. We are calling on the government to provide medical benefits so that wounded veterans can receive the treatment they deserve.”

Madut said the welfare of wounded veterans has continued to deteriorate, with many unable to support their families.

“Our children are not in school because we cannot afford school fees,” he said. “We are appealing to the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs and the SPLM to intervene so that our children can go to school like the children of other soldiers.”

He revealed that the veterans’ committee submitted a request for US$1 million to fund medical benefits for wounded veterans but said the proposal has remained pending for the past three years.

“We do not know why it has taken so long,” he said. “Whether the money is unavailable or there are other reasons, we are appealing to the relevant authorities to respond to our request.”

Lt. Gen. Santino Deng Wol, Chief of the Defense Forces, acknowledged the challenges facing wounded veterans and said 188 wounded veterans died between 2024 and 2025 due to lack of access to adequate healthcare.

“In 2024, we found that many wounded veterans were seriously ill and unable to access medical treatment. Out of a registered 5,422 wounded heroes, 188 aged between 42 and 52 have died over the past two years due to a lack of proper medical care,” Deng said.

He called for greater support for wounded fighters who sustained injuries while serving the country, saying their sacrifices should not be forgotten.

“These wounded heroes are the people who fought to secure the independence of South Sudan and the flag we proudly raise today,” he said

“The struggle to protect the country continues, and there may be more wounded heroes in the future. We therefore call on the SPLM to provide them with the support and care they deserve.”

Deng urged the SPLM leadership to prioritize healthcare, education, and livelihood support for injured former soldiers, arguing that they had paid a heavy price in securing South Sudan’s independence.

The wounded heroes braved unimaginable hardships, enduring violence, displacement, and loss, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to securing a better future for their fellow citizens.

However, despite their significant contributions, the South Sudanese government has failed to adequately address the needs of these war veterans and liberators.

Many of them live in poverty, without access to basic necessities such as healthcare, housing, and education.

Some are disabled as a result of their service, but rehabilitation centers and support systems are scarce or non-existent.