China supports South Sudan's health initiative with medical supplies

NAIROBI -- China handed over 24 containers of medical supplies worth over $10 million to support a South Sudan government health initiative on Jan 12.

"China is unconditionally helping us to implement our government policy of providing universal healthcare to all citizens of South Sudan," said Riek Gai Kok, South Sudan's Minister for Health, in Juba.

"They have introduced to us the concept of 'barefoot doctor' system as one of the ways to deliver service to the people," said the minister.

The minister hailed the Chinese government for standing in solidarity with people of South Sudan despite years of conflict.

Kok explained that China responded to the Boma Health Initiative because the ruling party and China shared a determined vision of improving the welfare of South Sudanese people.

Jemma Nunu Kumba, the Minister for Wildlife and Tourism, said the implementation of the program will resonate with her party's vision, mission and objective of providing healthcare to all.

"Primary healthcare is a big challenge and we laud China for helping translate our party policy into government program," said the minister.

She said the Boma Health Initiative is a government plan to extend good health services to the communities where all can access quality medical service at the grassroots level.

"The Boma Health Initiative, which is similar to Chinese 'Barefoot doctors systems' during the 19th century, was initiated with basic component of disease prevention and awareness creation at the community's levels," said Kumba.

Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan He Xiangdong said medical personnel cannot be successful in their work if they are not fully equipped with medical supplies, equipment and the necessary tools.

"For that very reason, we have brought this assistance in order for doctors in South Sudan to have their own armaments to fight diseases amongst the citizens," He said.

The Chinese envoy said China will always support the South Sudanese government in areas of health, humanitarianism and education as the country works towards achieving sustainable peace.

The items included surgical gear such as microscopes, incubators, bicycles, delivery beds, and communications devices like cell phones.