The Salisbury, Sudan’s Medical Link (SML) supports the Episcopal Church in South Sudan (ECSS) in delivering healthcare to its people and local communities. This is mainly through the provision of consignments of medicines to 16 primary healthcare clinics. In addition, individuals and parishes sponsor and fund the training of clinical officers, nurses and midwives for suitably qualified Christian students.
The vision of the Salisbury, Sudans 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”.
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 SML is prayer for one another, strengthened by relationships between people from different countries.
Three members of the Medical Link visited South Sudan in November 2022 which enabled the team to directly assess the 16 clinics that are supported by the Salisbury Diocese. They were able to observe the pharmaceutical deliveries, drug utilisation and prescribing practice taking place. In addition, they were able to review the training and impact of the health care workers. They visited schools, hospitals and attended church services as well as meeting participatory groups such as the Mothers Union. This visits renewed friendships and partnerships with the bishops and their staff. The visit strengthened accountability to our donors and sponsors that funding raised across the Salisbury Diocese for the Medical Link continues to be well spent and not wasted. All funding raised across the Salisbury Diocese goes directly to South Sudan and the cost of visits to the country and paid for by the individuals themselves.
Since 2023 we receive regular reports from the clinic settings which inform us of the prevalence of health conditions. We have revised our drug consignments to meet assessed needs. We have provided clinical equipment that was needed to help with more accurate diagnosis and have linked with international organisations to support mosquito net provision.
Equipment to promote safe childbirth was not available in 2022. (Women had to bring in their own blades, scissors or sometimes a sharpened stick to cut the cord.) South Sudan’s maternal mortality rate is 789 deaths per 100,000 compared with 9 per 100,000 in the UK. Causes include haemorrhage and sepsis. Also 99 under-fives die per 100,000 compared to 4 in the UK.
At SML we have begun to support a potential for change by providing “Mama Packs” - Birth Kits at the cost of approximately £5 each. These are now included in our consignments of drugs. Future visits will allow us to see first-hand how their use has made a difference and what else can be achieved together.
Author: Anne Salter (September 2024).