“Growing healthy communities, saving lives in South Sudan”.
1. Introduction
This executive summary outlines the key priorities for the Salisbury, Sudans Medical Link (SML) for the next 5 years (2022-2027). It makes a statement about the purpose of the SML and the difference it hopes to make. The plan recognises the current challenges faced in South Sudan and the role that the SML can have by working in partnership and supporting the development of preventative and curative health needs in South Sudan as well as spiritual growth across the partnership.
2. Vision
The vision of the Sudan Medical Link is that:
“The Episcopal Churches of South Sudan (ECSS) and the Salisbury Diocese collaborate in a
Christian Partnership of fellowship and faith focusing on improving health outcomes in South Sudan”
3. Purpose
The purpose of the Sudan Medical Link:
“The Episcopal Churches of South Sudan and the Salisbury Diocese working together to improve primary healthcare for all in South Sudan”.
4. Governance of the SML
SML is a sub-committee of the Salisbury Sudans Link (SSL) which was originally set up in 1983. The SSL reports to the Bishops Council, which is the executive body of the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). The DBF is a registered charity (Number 240833). The SML currently includes a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Coordinator and additional members with clinical expertise.
Monitoring of income and expenditure of the SML takes place at the SML committee and is reported to the SSL. Financial oversight and probity of arrangements is governed by the DBF.
The Terms of Reference for the SML confirms that unlike an aid agency, the SML is based on mutuality: that two churches separated by distance and culture can care for one another in sharing resources, experience and practical help. Central to the SML is prayer for one another, strengthened by relationships between people of all three countries.
Challenges and Strategic Aims.
Strategic Plan Aim 1 (Structure)
The SML will have an increased focus on greater partnership working with South Sudan and to establish links with the Ministry of Health who are responsible for Health Training Institutions, recognising that health workers are the core building blocks of any health system. As the government begins to strengthen their procurement and delivery of essential drugs so we will work to reduce any possibility of duplication. We will work with the Sudanese Bishops in partnership to understand if a form of ECSS Health Commission will improve greater understanding of health outcomes and standards in South Sudan. (It is likely that these are longer term ambitions which can only happen if prioritised by partners in South Sudan).
Strategic Plan Aim 2. (Communication)
Communication and coordination are often seen as the most important aspects in improving the quality of healthcare. Personal relationships between South Sudanese Christians and the SML need to be expanded to both import the richness of Christian living and understanding of the issues of primary care in a third world country. We will communicate our vision across the Diocese and encourage and support our fundraising volunteers. We will establish a core group of regular donors to provide a base for longer term financial commitments.
Our plan is to identify experienced clinicians and interested and supportive partners across the Diocese to provide regular sponsorship and links with South Sudan.
Communication between students who have been sponsored and supportive links from the Diocese will be improved. This could take the form of online conversations, professional development which would both aid and nurture students.
Strategic Plan Aim 3. (Training).
SML will increase the number of students that are trained and subsequently returning to work in their communities. We will improve knowledge about the destination of students post qualification. There is a variation in the need for subsistence packages of support for individual students. Some of this is dependent on distance to their training school or college and the level of support from their local area. We will work closely with the SS Bishops to have an agreed subsistence package at the commencement of training. We will continue to focus on the need for midwifery placements and the support for female students. We will commission training placements from a range of providers that have been quality assured in terms of cost and quality.
Strategic Plan Aim 4. (Primary Care Development)
The existing mode of healthcare in most developing countries is predominantly hospital based.
The SML supports the ambition of Primary Health Care Centres with a range of basic health services such as antenatal care, lab services, meeting basic medical and minor injury needs.
We will improve post graduate support and professional development for students that we have supported through training.
SML supports 16 clinic settings and a baseline analysis of essential requirements for clinics and an updated position in relation to needs in terms of equipment and furnishings will be undertaken to inform future arrangements
Appendix 1 outlines the key themes.
