AUTHORITIES IN KAJO-KEJI CALL FOR NEW HEALTH PARTNERS AS MSF PREPARES EXIT

Wearing a neck tie is the Director of the hospital, in Red is the Governor of CES and lady 

wearing a cap is the state minister of health as they toured the hospital.

Ganiko Samson Bullen

Moyo

Authorities in Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State (CES) in the Republic of South Sudan, are appealing to the national government through the Governor of Central Equatoria State to lobby for new development partners following the planned exit of Madecins Sans Frontières (MSF), one of the key partners supporting the health sector in the county.

MSF, which has been supporting healthcare services at Kajo-Keji Civil Hospital, is expected to end its operations in the area on 31st October 2026.

The appeal was made on Friday, 19th June 2026, during a visit by the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Cde. Emmanuel Adile Anthony, to Kajo-Keji County as the country prepares for the 2026 General Elections.

Dr. Sekwat Savior, the Medical Director of Kajo-Keji Civil Hospital, said the hospital will require substantial support once MSF withdraws its services.

“As now MSF is going, where are we going to stand? You are our father and today we are presenting all our issues to you so that together we can address them and push this county forward,” Dr. Sekwat noted.

He added that the hospital management is requesting the Governor’s intervention in negotiating with other partners to take over the role currently being played by MSF.

Kajo Keji civil hospital.

Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Jackson Wani expressed concern over the impending exit of MSF, noting that the county is already facing numerous challenges, especially when referring patients to neighbouring Uganda for specialized treatment.

“We used to refer patients to Uganda because there is an accessible road to Moyo. However, when we take a patient to Moyo Hospital, we have to cross an international border and there are many protocols involved. This hospital saves many lives, and our worry now is that MSF is leaving,” Wani disclosed.

Meanwhile, Uria Shafillul, the MSF Project Manager, appreciated all stakeholders who have worked closely with the organization throughout its operations in the county.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, the State Minister of Health, Joyce Bakwa, assured the public that government efforts would continue to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

“MSF is leaving, but the hospital is not closing. That means healthcare services will continue. MSF is a partner that came to support the government and the Ministry of Health. We always say that the government leads and partners follow,” she revealed.

Bakwa further assured residents that the government would not abandon the people or allow the hospital to collapse following the departure of MSF.

However, Governor Emmanuel Adile Anthony pledged that the state government would work to fill the gap that will be left behind by MSF.

“I want to thank MSF. They have been a true partner to us. We are aware of the challenges, and we will do our best to lobby for other partners to support this facility,” Adile said.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis