Southern Sudan
Southern Sudan is a harsh land where people struggle to meet their basic needs.
Medical work began in Sudan in 1904. Since gaining independence in 1956, much of Sudan has been wracked by civil conflict. In the mid-1980’s health programs were forced to close when civil war engulfed the southern region. Many of the health facilities were destroyed, leaving thousands of people with no access to care. In recent years the situation in Southern Sudan, while still tenuous, has improved enough to allow PC(USA) and its partner organizations to return to the region, working together to restore health services centered around Akobo Hospital.
A long-term effort is underway in Southern Sudan, in collaboration with PC(USA)’s partners in the region, Presbyterian Relief & Development (PRDA), the social service arm of the Presbyterian Church of Sudan, and Across, an interdenominational Christian organization. The Sudan Mission Network is actively engaged in the region, and additional support is provided by the Medical Benevolence Foundation.
PC(USA) mission co-workers are serving again in Southern Sudan, despite the challenges of living and working in a difficult and sometimes dangerous environment. Nancy McGaughey, RN, works with Across as a health coordinator, training health care workers based at Adol. The Rev. Jacob George and Aliamma George, RN, began service in Sudan in October, 2010. Mrs. George is assisting Sudanese partners with Community Health Evangelism training. Michael Weller, regional liaison for the Horn of Africa, and Frank Dimmock, regional health liaison for Africa are involved in assessing needs and the resources available to rebuild the infrastructure for health services
Presbyterian Women have named Sudan a focus country for their international mission involvement during the triennium ending in 2012.
