The visiting doctors are expected to work closely with local medical staff, sharing expertise on the diagnosis and management of heart diseases and chronic conditions.

By Emmanuel Mandella

Greek medical specialists have injected renewed hope into Western Equatoria’s health system, for long strained by the absence of specialized medical services, particularly for patients suffering from heart-related and other chronic illnesses.

The medical team, operating under the Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio (CDTY) through the CODEP initiative, touched down in the  area last week and immediately began consultations, marking what health authorities and community leaders describe as a critical intervention for a region where access to cardiologists and specialist care remains extremely limited.

For years, patients in Western Equatoria have been forced to rely on basic health facilities that lack advanced diagnostic equipment and specialist doctors, often compelling those who can afford it to seek treatment in Juba or neighboring countries, an option far beyond the reach of most citizens.

“This mission comes at a time when the need is overwhelming. Heart-related illnesses and chronic conditions are increasing, yet our state has no resident cardiologist. This intervention will save lives and reduce suffering,” said James Abdalla Marona, the State Minister of Health.

According to the State Ministry of Health, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes are on the rise in Western Equatoria, driven by lifestyle changes, stress linked to years of conflict, and limited preventive healthcare services.

The Greek medical team began their mission by conducting health assessments for clergy and religious leaders in Curia before proceeding to Yambio State Hospital, where hundreds of patients received consultations, screenings, and treatment.

The outreach later was extended to Nzara, Ezo, Source Yubu, and Tombura counties, areas where specialized healthcare is virtually nonexistent.

“Our goal is not only to treat patients but to respond to a desperate gap in specialized healthcare. Many of the cases we will see especially heart conditions require expertise that is simply not available locally. We are here to serve, support, and strengthen the existing system,” said Mr. Andrew Dungeneyo, head of the medical mission.

The Catholic Diocese of Tombura–Yambio has played a leading role in healthcare delivery in Western Equatoria, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas where government services remain thin.

Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, speaking during the reception of the medical team, said the initiative reflects the Church’s commitment to protecting life and dignity.

“This mission is a sign of international solidarity and shared humanity. When one part of the world responds to the suffering of another, it reminds us that health is not a privilege, but a right. The Church will continue to bridge gaps where systems fall short,” Bishop Eduardo said.

The Bishop noted that many patients in the diocese live with untreated heart conditions simply because diagnosis and specialist care are unavailable.

Communities welcome a rare opportunity. At Yambio State Hospital, the news of the doctors’ arrival spread quickly, drawing patients who had lived with symptoms for years without proper diagnosis.

“I have been feeling chest pain for a long time, but doctors here could only give me painkillers; now they say heart doctors have come. This is hope for people like us,” said Mary Salo, a mother of four who traveled from Nzara.

Health workers at the hospital also expressed relief, saying the mission will help decongest referral cases and improve patient outcomes.

“We often diagnose conditions we cannot fully manage; having specialists here, even temporarily, is a blessing,” said a clinical officer at Yambio State Hospital.

Furthermore, officials say the Greek medical mission is not only about short-term treatment but also about strengthening local health services through collaboration and skills exchange.

The visiting doctors are expected to work closely with local medical staff, sharing expertise on the diagnosis and management of heart diseases and chronic conditions.

“This is an opportunity for learning, our doctors and nurses will benefit from working alongside specialists. This kind of partnership is what we need to build a resilient health system,” Minister Marona added.

As the outreach continues across five counties, both government and church leaders are calling for more international partnerships to address critical gaps in South Sudan’s healthcare system.

Western Equatoria, often praised for relative stability compared to other regions, still grapples with weak infrastructure and limited investment in specialized health services.

“The need is far greater than one mission, but this is a powerful beginning. It shows what is possible when goodwill, faith, and professional expertise come together,” Bishop Eduardo cautioned.

For patients awaiting care, the presence of the Greek doctors represents more than medical assistance; it is a rare assurance that their lives matter, even in the most remote corners of South Sudan.

As consultations continue, hundreds of families across Western Equatoria are holding onto one shared hope: that this lifeline will mark the start of sustained access to specialized healthcare long denied to them.