A Renovated Health Facility, a Renewed Hope for 40,000 people in Aweil West County
A Tragic Natural Event Impacting the Whole Community
In April 2022, the roof of Amatnyang Primary Healthcare Unit was blown off by strong winds causing severe damage that halted vital services, including maternal and new-born healthcare and immunisations. Staff were forced to continue treating patients outside under the trees.
With financial support from the Health Pool Fund (HPF), HealthNet TPO renovated the facility allowing normal services to resume for the 40,000 people living within Amatnyang Payam and the surrounding areas within Aweil West County.
Opening the Newly Renovated Health Facility
During the opening of the newly renovated health facility in March 2023, Julis Opio, HealthNet TPO Programme Manager, said the organisation has achieved its promise to fully renovate the facility, encouraging the community to take full responsibility to keep the facility clean and healthy for their use. “The 10 months that women couldn't deliver here, has ended today, the 10 months where children couldn't get vaccinated has ended today, the 10 months people were receiving treatment under the tree has ended today”. Mr. Opio said.
Andira, a mother of three who has relied on the centre for health services, said “At least now we can bring our kids for immunisation, come for antenatal care and other services, I’m so relieved I will deliver safely as I’m expecting another child in three months’ time”.
Luka Deng, another user of the facility, said “I thank God, HealthNet TPO has renovated the facility and its now operational, to treat our expectant mothers and children during rainy season, where waterborne diseases are so common and kills many of our children and expectant mothers. This year we are safe.”
The facility has been handed over officially to the community through Northern Bahr Al Ghazal Minister of Health. With support from Health Pool Fund, HealthNet TPO will continue to support the facility until early next year.
In addition, HealthNet TPO with funding from HPF will continue supporting all 29 health facilities in Aweil West and North counties. These projects also include conducting community awareness and disseminating health messages, providing essential drug supplies and equipment to all health facilities, routine immunisation services, and a focused antenatal care and postnatal services.