Pita Joseline, the women’s representative for Mundri East, expressed frustration over the decision to remove Kediba from the Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP), a donor-supported programme implemented through the national Ministry of Health. She said the development has left communities anxious and uncertain about the future of healthcare delivery in the county.
Speaking on Thursday during funeral prayers in Mundri for the late Everesto Dari Gulice, Joseline called on authorities to provide urgent clarification on the criteria used to delist certain facilities.
“It is not acceptable to remove support from a facility serving the county headquarters,” she said, noting that Kediba Health Facility caters to residents within Mundri town and surrounding communities who have few alternative options for care.
According to Joseline, earlier reports indicated that four facilities — two in Mundri East and two in Mundri West — had been earmarked for removal from the programme. However, a recent circular issued by the Mundri East County Health Directorate included Kediba and Lakamadi health facilities, heightening concerns among local leaders.
“According to the first report, four health facilities were affected — two in Mundri East and two in Mundri West. But in the recent circular we received, Kediba and Lakamadi were included, which has really scared us,” she said.
She added that lawmakers are escalating the matter to the national level. Members of Parliament in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly are reportedly preparing to engage the leadership of the Ministry of Health to seek explanations and reconsideration of the decision.
The Ministry of Health recently announced adjustments under the HSTP, including the withdrawal of support from 101 health facilities nationwide identified as having low functionality or facing security challenges. The reforms also include scaling down assistance to six hospitals and reducing incentive packages for health workers.
Community leaders fear the cuts could strain already fragile health systems in rural Western Equatoria, potentially limiting access to maternal services, emergency treatment, and disease management for vulnerable populations.
