Comboni Sisters’ Hospital
Nzara, South Sudan
Medical Director – Sr (Dr) Sara Antonini
Nzara town has no electricity except that provided by generators, no sewage system, no post office, no petrol station and no bank.
Sr Sara en route to Nzara Hospital
With the transfer to the Tombura Yambio Diocese of the supply and distribution of medications for members of Star Support Group, who are living with HIV/AIDS, the St Theresa Hospital Nzara, which is managed by the Comboni Sisters Order, has become the main location for the provision of medical services. Hence, in 2012 the Foundation began to provide assistance to the hospital. St Theresa Hospital provides general, maternal, child and infant medical care. It specializes in TB, HIV/AIDS and Leprosy treatment. Major illnesses are malaria, gastrointestinal disorders and complications arising from TB and HIV/AIDS. Nzara has an Antiretroviral Therapies (ART) Clinic and Medical Ward.
Foundation support has contributed to the provision of better care for children under 5 (one of the most vulnerable categories), the purchase of more effective new antimalarial drugs and pediatric formulations of common antibiotics. The availability of laboratory and medical supplies for blood transfusion treatment of severe anemia has been enhanced and new maternal health services have been able to be implemented.
Foundation support has assisted the St Theresa Hospital in responding to increased workload. A blood transfusion service was established in response to the increased incidence of severe anaemia. A new pediatric ward with 50 beds was built and opened in September 2012. Previously, the hospital hall/chapel had been used as a pediatric ward with mattresses on the floor.
The months from June to October are always quite special for life at St Theresa Hospital because of the increase in cases of malaria, which reach their peak during rainy season. All the hospital departments become involved in fighting the complications which often accompany malaria, affecting especially children under 5 years of age. Immune suppressed patients are also affected as well as expecting mothers. Nzara Blood Transfusion Service and the availability of effective antimalarial drugs have greatly contributed in reducing the life threatening consequences of this terrible disease.
A major ongoing challenge for St Theresa Hospital is finding resources to meet the growing demand for services and the provision of training opportunities for present staff and the training of new staff. Through the generosity of its supporters, St Theresa Hospital is able to meet and overcome many of the challenges encountered amongst some of the poorest people in Africa.
It specialises in maternal health, TB, HIV/AIDS and Leprosy treatment. Major illnesses are malaria, gastrointestinal disorders and complications arising from TB and HIV/AIDS. St Theresa Hospital has an Antiretroviral Therapies (ART) Clinic and Medical Ward.