JUBA – South Sudan’s Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery (JCONAM) on Thursday graduated 44 nurses and 38 midwives in Juba.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony in Juba, Dr. Harriet Akello Pasquale, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, the graduates to follow work etiquette and be prepared to serve wherever in South Sudan.
“I urge the graduating nurses and midwives to represent the future of patient care and play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in South Sudan. The leadership of the ministry will work alongside JCONAM and all health professionals for better health outcomes for all,” Dr. Pasquale said.
The officer in charge at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Suzanne Mandong, urged transitional government of national unity to allocate local funds for mid-level healthcare professional training.
“As we look to the future, it is critical that the government continues to invest in domestic resources for training mid-level healthcare workers. Sustainability will only be achieved when national investment in health is prioritized,” said Mandong.
Mandong praised the Government of Canada’s efforts, which have established a strong nursing and midwifery profession that would benefit future generations in South Sudan.
“Investing in nurses and midwives is vital for the health and well-being of the entire nation. Let us continue to work together to build a resilient health system that ensures quality health services for all,” she said.
Repent Khamis George, the principal of Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery, said building a healthcare system entail updating facilities, laboratories, infrastructure, and curricula to satisfy international standards.
“We must also recognize that the journey of building a robust and sustainable healthcare system in South Sudan is far from over. As we look to the future, there are areas where we must focus to continue growing and prioritizing the development of health education,” said George.
“I’m inspired by the stories of midwives and nurses in South Sudan who are committed to saving lives in the face of difficulties. Canada’s investment speaks to a belief in South Sudan’s future, a belief we share with partners like UNFPA in empowering everyone, especially women and girls, to thrive through strengthened health systems,” said H.E. Joanne Minns, the Canadian Ambassador to South Sudan.
The United Nations Population Fund, with support from Global Affairs Canada, Sweden, and other partners, has trained more than 3,000 frontline health cadres across South Sudan since independence.
