By Yang Ater Yang
The South Sudan Nurses and Midwives Association (SSNAMA) in Lakes State on Saturday commemorated the International Day of Nurses and Midwives with a seminar focused on strengthening healthcare services and improving the welfare of health workers.
The event was held under the theme “Our Nurses. Our Midwives. Our Future: Strengthening Clinical Excellence and Institutional Capacity in Lakes State” and brought together government officials, health professionals, development partners, educators, and students at the Rumbek Health Science Institute.
Participants used the occasion to call on the government and health partners to improve working conditions for healthcare workers across Lakes State and South Sudan, citing challenges such as delayed salaries, inadequate medical supplies, and limited resources in health facilities.
Representing the Lakes State Government, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports William Koji Kirjok acknowledged the difficulties facing healthcare workers but urged them to remain committed to their professional responsibilities.
He emphasised that while the government and partners are responsible for providing medicines and improving conditions for health workers, patients should not bear the burden of those challenges.
“The expectation of every patient is to receive treatment and recover. Healthcare workers must continue to serve patients professionally despite the challenges they face,” he said.
SSNAMA Lakes State Chairperson Meen Santos said the celebration was an opportunity not only to recognise the contributions of nurses and midwives but also to address key issues affecting the professions.
He stressed the importance of continuous professional development, noting that advances in medical science require healthcare workers to regularly update their knowledge and skills.
“Continuous training is not a luxury but a necessity for ensuring patient safety and clinical excellence,” Santos said.
He also highlighted the critical role of midwives in reducing maternal and newborn deaths, calling for increased investment in training, equipping, and retaining qualified midwives throughout South Sudan.
Santos further urged government institutions and development partners to view investments in nursing and midwifery education as a strategic investment in the country’s healthcare system.
“Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of healthcare delivery. Strengthening these professions is one of the fastest ways to improve access to quality healthcare services,” he said.
Representatives from development partners echoed the call for stronger support for healthcare workers.
Mawet Bol Madit, Rumbek East County Coordinator for CUAMM, said the organisation remains committed to supporting nurses and midwives through training programs, community outreach initiatives, and support for health institutions.
He noted that CUAMM has been working closely with SSNAMA and the Rumbek Health Science Institute to strengthen healthcare services and improve the quality of medical training.
Meanwhile, Banok Muorwel, Director of Reproductive Health at the Lakes State Ministry of Health, praised nurses and midwives for their dedication despite persistent challenges.
“They continue to save lives every day, particularly mothers and newborns, despite shortages of medicines and other essential resources,” he said.
Healthcare workers attending the event described the celebration as both a recognition of their contributions and an opportunity for professional growth.
Registered midwife Martha Aping Dut said the seminar served as an important reminder for health professionals to continuously update their knowledge and skills.
“In healthcare, learning never stops. These seminars help us improve our practice and provide better care to our patients,” she said.
Loria Grace Julius, a nurse at Rumbek Health Science Institute, said she was proud to be part of a profession dedicated to saving lives and serving communities.
“Seeing patients recover and return home healthy is one of the greatest rewards of being a nurse,” she said.
The event concluded with renewed calls for stronger investment in nursing and midwifery education, improved welfare for healthcare workers, and enhanced support for health institutions across Lakes State and South Sudan.