Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Set to Establish Eye Care Clinic

The facility once established aims at providing solution to eye problems among people of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and beyond.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Sunguza Ambrose an Ophthalmologist from Central African Republic who trained in eyes care in German said that when he and other eye specialists first came to South Sudan Western Equatoria State in 2008 for an eye care medical camp, they were moved by the situation as huge number of citizens turned up for the medical camp, the majority of who had already lost their eyesight.

Owing to the fact that there is no single eye care clinic or eye care specialists in the country people with extreme eye problems are usually referred to Khartoum in Sudan, Kampala Uganda or Nairobi Kenya to seek major treatments. Since the majority of citizens cannot afford such travel expenses to the neighbouring countries, many of have lost their eyesight due to lack of treatment.

Dr. Sunguza said that after winning the project from partners in Germany to construct an Eye Care Clinic in the country of his choice thought it wise to bring it to South. This is due to his long term friendship with Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala the Catholic Bishop of Tombura-Yambio whom he said showed him great hospitality and friendship when he was still a priest served as Rector in a Refugees Camp in Mboki in Central African Republic. Additionally, Dr. Sunguza Ambrose is married to a South Sudanese woman from Western Equatoria State and as a show of gratitude to the people of South Sudan, he chose to establish the clinic in Western Equatoria State.

“When people have eye problems, it affects all their socio-economic status as they often become dependent on others to move around. Once you have an eyesight problem, you will underperform, you will not be able to read and as such, it is not possible to work either in a public or private office,” the ophthalmologist said, adding that when a child has an eye problem it is difficult for them to perform well in school.

Bishop Hiiboro while addressing those who attended and witnessed the laying of the foundation stone at St. Theresa Nzara Hospital said that the Church has acknowledged the reality that there is serious need to establish an Eye Care Clinic in the State and once the construction of the facility is completed, it will give great opportunities to citizens with eye problems throughout South Sudan and even in the neighbouring countries of DR. Congo and Central African. This is because Nzara is an ideal and strategic location that is easily accessible to the two neighbouring countries.

Mr. John Sangara a representative from the State Ministry of Health of Western Equatoria State who was also present during the occasion said that the State Government is more grateful to the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio for its substantial move in supplementing the efforts of the Government by providing health services to the people hugely in the State. He added that the State Ministry of Health is available to support the efforts of the church at any given time.

Bullen Nginzo, an administrator at the National Senate at the Upper House in Juba welcomed the initiative by the Catholic Church and other Churches in Western Equatoria State that are working for the common good of all citizens. He said that there is only one health facility for eye care in Juba, unfortunately, the costs are too high for the citizens who are required to travel there. Also being the only facility in the country, it is overwhelmed and therefore getting quick medical help is a challenge.

Nginzo therefore admitted that once the construction of the eye care clinic in Nzara will completed, it will be easier for many people to access the services; in addition, the Nzara facility will ease the congestion at the Juba health care.

The occasion at St. Theresa Nzara Hospital which included the blessing and laying of the foundation stone by Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, was attended by Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) Leadership, representatives from the Ministry of Health in the Western Equatoria State, Nzara County Authorities, Tombura-Yambio Catholic Diocesan Staff from the Secretariat (Curia) and community members in Nzara.

By Elias Ginana Mangbondo