By Emmanuel Mandella

A frontline health worker in Nzara County has raised a red flag over a growing health crisis in the area, citing a troubling surge in pelvic ulcers among women, widespread skin disease infections among children, and malaria cases.

In a desperate appeal to both national authorities and humanitarian partners, the health worker said the poor infrastructure, a lack of medical supplies, and extreme distances to the nearest health facilities are fueling a silent health crisis in the area.

“Very many women are suffering from pelvic ulcers here. It’s painful and persistent, but they have nowhere to go,” the health worker lamented.

According to the health professional, skin diseases among children have become a major concern, with many children developing painful wounds that make it impossible for them to walk or play.

“Many children are suffering from skin infections that cause wounds. Some of them can’t even walk because of the pain. It’s heartbreaking,” Friday James John, the Clinical officer said.

Malaria, one of the leading causes of illness and death in South Sudan, has also taken a devastating toll on communities in Nzara, due to the lack of proper health services in the remote areas.

“There’s no proper hospital structure where they can sleep especially at the grassroots level, and they spend the night in makeshift shelters or in the open, and that’s how malaria is spreading fast. Whenever they come in, we test them and most of them are positive,” he said.

With residents walking long distances to reach under-resourced clinics, the crisis is compounded by chronic drug shortages and the absence of basic protective tools like mosquito nets.

“The communities are many, but they walk long distances to find help. And when they finally arrive, there are no drugs, no mosquito nets, nothing to offer them. We feel helpless,” James added.

In an urgent call for support as response to these challenges, the health worker is appealing to the government, NGOs, and international partners to provide urgent assistance to communities in Nzara County.

“We are pleading with our partners please support these people. We need mosquito nets, proper medication, and consistent drug supply. If nothing is done, the suffering will only grow.”

The health official appealed for urgent distribution of mosquito nets for malaria prevention, supply of essential medicines and antibiotics, treatment for skin infections among children

Reproductive health support for women, funding and equipment for mobile or community-based health clinics and construction or rehabilitation of hospital shelters in some villages to serve life

Nzara’s fragile rural healthcare system, like much of Western Equatoria State, is on the brink, and the growing health burden is threatening to undo years of community development.