By Kei Emmanuel Duku
China reaffirms unwavering commitment to strengthening cooperation with Africa as a whole and South Sudan.
Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, Ma Qiang, made the remarks on Tuesday during “Topping-Out” ceremony for Phase Two of Juba Teaching Hospital’s modernization and expansion project.
The Chinese envoy highlighted ongoing collaboration between the government of South Sudan and the People’s Republic of China, particularly in modernizing and expanding health facilities and other infrastructure, as a testament to the strong friendship between the two nations. He said the cooperation is also a practical application of the outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Ambassador Ma expressed gratitude to South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, other health partners, and all contributors to the health cooperation. He praised the China Urban Construction Design and Research Institute and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited for their positive contributions to South Sudan’s peace and development.
The Ambassador recalled that at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled ten partnership actions to advance modernization in. Africa over the next three years, with health cooperation being a key area. Guided by President Xi Jinping’s vision, China-Africa cooperation in medical and health fields has continuously reached new heights.
He further noted that on June 11, 2024, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of FOCAC’s Follow-up Actions was held in Changsha, Hunan Province. During this meeting, President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s readiness to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for the modernization of healthcare systems in Africa. This effort, he said, aims to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Despite numerous global challenges, Ambassador Ma Qiang observed that China-South Sudan cooperation has maintained strong momentum.
Regarding the construction of China-Aid Juba Teaching Hospital, the Ambassador envisioned the enthusiasm and determination of both Chinese and South Sudanese builders.
“Once complete, this hospital, equipped with advanced medical equipment and a professional medical team, will not only provide high-quality medical services but also actively engage in medical technology training and exchange activities,” said Ma Qiang. “This will cultivate more outstanding medical talents and enhance South Sudan’s own medical and health service capacities.”
The Ambassador further stated that the deep integration of the Global Development Initiative and Africa’s Agenda 2063 has brought unprecedented opportunities for China-Africa cooperation. He expressed anticipation for the early and full completion and commissioning of the new hospital, expecting it to become another landmark project of China-South Sudan Friendly Cooperation and make significant contributions to the health and well-being of the South Sudanese people.
Ma emphasized the bright future of China-Africa cooperation.
“Let’s move forward hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder with determination, and jointly create a beautiful future for China-South Sudan Friendly Cooperation,” he urged.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s National Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial, lauded the “long-standing and outstanding” relationship between South Sudan and China, particularly highlighting China’s consistent support for the nation’s healthcare sector.
Minister Rial noted that China has significantly contributed to the development and support of health services in both Juba and at the state level. Drawing on her experience as the former Governor of Western Bahr El Ghazal State, Rial recalled the Chinese government’s reconstruction of the Clement Mboro Bridge in Wau. She also pointed out that Chinese doctors have been providing medical treatment and support in Juba since the early 1970s.
“It is not only just recent; the fruits of their work and joint cooperation can be seen in the steady and sure transformation that is happening in Juba Teaching Hospital today,” the minister elaborated. She stressed that the ongoing work at the National Referral Hospital will “inevitably lead to better healthcare services for the people of South Sudan.”
Cleto reiterated readiness of the ministry to collaborate with the Chinese government and other stakeholders at Juba Teaching Hospital to achieve the country’s healthcare goals and aspirations.
She also congratulated the China State Construction and Engineering Company for its “exemplary feat” in keeping the Phase 2 expansion and modernization of Juba Teaching Hospital project on schedule, despite local and global challenges.
“We are now less than one year when this building project started, and it’s about to get finished,” Rial remarked. She commended the dedication and hard work of the engineers and all company staff, adding, “When I am returning here, I want us to talk about how this building is going to be used, what type of equipment it requires, and how the general sanitation and the environment should look like.”
The Phase 2 expansion and modernization of Juba Teaching Hospital project was launched by former Vice President of the Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on July 14, 2024. Engineers on site reported the structure is ahead of schedule.