China, S. Sudan sign deal to modernize Juba Teaching hospital
March 22, 2021 (JUBA) – China and South Sudan have signed a development agreement for the expansion and modernization of Juba Teaching hospital.
Speaking at the event, China’s ambassador to South Sudan, Hua Ning said the second phase of project is more comprehensive than the first one, with multi-functional facilities including infectious disease division and several Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
“I am very pleased to sign the agreement on the new project as we are going to celebrate South Sudan’s 10th anniversary of independence and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Sudan,” Hua said in a statement issued Thursday.
He added, “It is another major achievement in our health cooperation and concrete action in building China-Africa community of health for all. I trust the new project will significantly improve the healthcare delivery and pandemic control capacity in South Sudan when it is completed”.
The envoy said China, South Sudan and other African countries have enhanced solidarity and cooperation by supporting each other in the fight against coronavirus.
“We will also donate 100,000 doses of vaccine to South Sudan in line with the country’s vaccine policy,” said Hua.
He said Phase 1 of the project was completed and handed over to the government in 2019.
For his part, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in South Sudan, Mayen Dut Wol lauded China for undertaking the implementation of the two health projects.
“This is a tremendous health infrastructure project which will culminate in a profound improvement of health care and welfare of the people of South Sudan,” Wol said.
He said signing of the pact marked a new chapter on the existing thriving bilateral relations between Beijing and Juba, adding that the deal has come at a time when the young republic will celebrate its 10th anniversary of the strong establishment of good diplomatic relations with China in July.
(ST)