As South Sudan grapples with a surge in violence, hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, primarily from gunshot wounds. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported a staggering 50 per cent increase in patient admissions in the first half of this year compared to 2025, highlighting the dire state of healthcare amidst ongoing conflict and dwindling aid resources.
Rising Casualties Amidst Intensifying Conflict
The ongoing turmoil in South Sudan has seen a marked escalation in clashes between government and opposition forces, especially in states such as Jonglei and Upper Nile. As the nation commemorates 15 years of independence, the UN has issued grave warnings about the potential for a return to full-scale civil war. This mounting violence has inflicted severe pressure on trauma services, with hospitals inundated by patients suffering from gunshot and stab wounds.
Doctors at Juba Military Hospital report that over 90 per cent of incoming patients bear gunshot injuries, often affecting critical areas like the abdomen and chest. The hospital has witnessed multiple mass casualty incidents, where 15 or more patients arrive simultaneously due to violent events. “It’s heartbreaking. We see men, women, children who have been shot. The bullet doesn’t discriminate,” lamented Angeth Majok, head physiotherapist at the ICRC.
Strain on Medical Infrastructure
The increase in surgical procedures at Juba Military Hospital reflects the escalating crisis, with operations rising by 30 per cent compared to last year. The hospital struggles to cope with the high demand for medical evacuations, despite frequent flights. “The last few months have been very busy, far more so than in previous years. It just keeps getting worse,” noted Paul Abraham, assistant head nurse at the facility.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by climate-related shocks and the influx of over 1.2 million returnees and refugees from Sudan. Aid cuts have compounded these challenges, leading to reduced healthcare services across the region. Rose Ochieng, the ICRC health coordinator, stated that the strain on the healthcare system is immense, with many rural clinics severely understaffed and ill-equipped to manage the influx of casualties.
The Human Cost of Conflict
The ramifications of this violence extend beyond immediate injuries. Patients often suffer from infected wounds due to lack of proper medical care, and prolonged absence from treatment facilities can lead to further complications. “The pressure is very high. Sometimes the workload is too much. The staff don’t get a break,” explained Abraham, who has witnessed firsthand the toll this crisis takes on medical personnel.
The dangers faced by humanitarian workers further complicate the situation. Last month, an ambush in Jonglei State resulted in the deaths of five aid workers, underscoring the perilous conditions
