JUBA – South Sudan’s Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto, has praised China for providing high-quality medical services to the people of South Sudan since independence.
“South Sudan-China relations can be described as both long-standing and outstanding. In the healthcare field in particular, China has consistently demonstrated its commitment to support our nation,” said Cleto on Tuesday during the topping out of the main structure of the China-aided project for the second phase of the expansion and modernisation of Juba Teaching Hospital.
Cleto said that the expansion and modernisation of Juba Teaching Hospital is a result of the cooperation agreement signed between South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, the President of China, in 2015.
“We have a long relationship; in the early 1970s, we saw Chinese doctors consistently treating South Sudanese. There are many areas where China has significantly contributed to the development and support of health services in South Sudan and other sectors,” she said.
She noted that the ongoing expansion and modernisation of Juba Teaching Hospital—supported by China—will significantly enhance the country’s medical capacity and healthcare delivery.
The Chinese ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, appreciated the support and contribution towards health cooperation between China and South Sudan.
“This modern medical facility, a crystallisation of the efforts and wisdom of both China and South Sudan, stands as another brilliant testament to China-South Sudan friendship and a vivid illustration of the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation,” said Ma.
Ma said that the full completion and commissioning of Juba Teaching Hospital will be another landmark project of China-South Sudan friendly cooperation, adding that the hospital will contribute to the health and well-being of the South Sudanese.
“Despite numerous global challenges in recent times, China-South Sudan cooperation has maintained strong momentum. During the construction of the China-aided Juba Teaching Hospital, we have fully felt the enthusiasm and exceptional spirit of the South Sudanese people,” he said.
