• The OT will be used to perform surgeries, particularly for weapon-wounded patients.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has inaugurated a new Operating Theatre (OT) in Juba Military (JMH) to facilitate medical surgeries, particularly for weapon-injured patients.

The Operating Theatre took 13 months to complete and is the first that the ICRC has built from the ground up in South Sudan. The facility will allow the surgical teams to practice surgical procedures and contribute to raising the standard of care given to patients in South Sudan; this will include infection control and the transfer of patients who have weapon injuries.

 Due to the ongoing armed war in Sudan, the new facility may also aid in addressing the needs of wounded patients entering the country from Sudan. Since gaining its independence in 2011, South Sudan has been embroiled in a lengthy war and armed violence. South Sudan’s population and medical facilities are under increasing strain due to tensions, inter-communal violence, and wars.

There are two surgical units in South Sudan supported by the ICRC; one is located at the Juba Military Hospital in Central Equatoria State and another at the Akobo County Hospital in Jonglei State. In these facilities, women and children make up 25% of the patients receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.

According to the ICRC delegation head in Juba, Pierre Dorbes, “South Sudanese and ICRC surgeons often work in difficult conditions and still accomplish great results, performing difficult surgeries under pressure”. However, he hopes that this facility and knowledge exchange will assist the challenging task of the South Sudanese medical team.

The launch of the OT also occurred at the same time as a worldwide commemoration of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the various humanitarian services that its employees and volunteers do in various areas across the world.

 Deputy Head ICRC delegation in South Sudan, Andrea Heath said “As we mark International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, it is an opportunity to remember that the Red Cross emblem is not only used by the Red Cross Movement but also meant to protect the military medical services regardless of their affiliations. The new OT is a symbol of Henri Dunant’s commitment to assist the weapon wounded during the battle of Solferino and his vision to assist people affected by armed conflict and violence which culminated in the development of the Geneva Conventions”.