Chinese Peacekeepers Support Education
In a remarkable initiative, nursing and midwifery students at the Catholic Health Training Institute (CHTI) in Wau, South Sudan, received valuable medical training with the assistance of Chinese peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The collaboration provided these aspiring healthcare professionals with essential skills to become competent nurses and midwives. Dr. Bindhu George, the Principal of CHTI, noted the significance of these trainings and expressed the potential benefits of extending similar programs to other health practitioners in the region.
Essential Supplies and Knowledge Sharing
Members of the Chinese medical unit, responsible for operating UNMISS’s hospital in Wau, not only offered vital training but also generously supplied CHTI with essential medical resources. These supplies included face masks, antibacterial soap, dressing kits, mosquito repellent, and protective medical clothing. These provisions empower students to practice their skills effectively and prepare for their future roles in healthcare.
“Life-Saving Skills”
Lieutenant Colonel Yin Gong, Commander of the Chinese hospital, stressed the importance of these skills, emphasizing their potential to save lives when executed correctly. The medical unit’s commitment to sharing this knowledge highlights its dedication to improving healthcare in South Sudan and equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals with life-saving skills.
Student Learning Experience
Yele Mabe John, one of the students who participated in the interactive workshops, shared his appreciation for the learning experience. While acknowledging the initial challenges of mastering techniques like chest compression, he gained the confidence and skills necessary for real-life situations. John affirmed, “I will feel confident if and when I’m called upon to do it in a real-life situation.”
Background on CHTI
A Hub for Healthcare Education in South Sudan
Catholic Health Training Institute (CHTI), located in Wau, South Sudan, stands as a distinguished nursing and midwifery school established in 2010. It was founded by Solidarity with South Sudan (SSS), a non-profit organization wholeheartedly committed to enhancing the lives of South Sudanese people. Notably, CHTI receives essential support from the Sudan Relief Fund (SRF) and other generous donors.
Two Accredited Programs
CHTI offers two accredited programs: a three-year nursing diploma and a two-year midwifery diploma. Additionally, the institute places a strong emphasis on practical training. This approach ensures that students learn from experienced nurses and midwives at local healthcare facilities, effectively preparing them for the challenges they will encounter in their future healthcare careers.
Impactful Graduates
Notable statistics about CHTI include an enrollment of 89 students, with 60% being women. To date, 227 graduates have completed their programs, with an impressive 83% employed in their respective fields. CHTI graduates contribute significantly to the South Sudanese healthcare system, working in government hospitals, mission hospitals, NGOs, and other vital healthcare organizations.
Strengthening South Sudan’s Healthcare System
The institute plays a pivotal role in strengthening South Sudan’s healthcare system. Consequently, it produces skilled nurses and midwives who provide essential care to those in need.
Notably, graduates like Mary Adut and Victoria Akon are just two examples of the positive impact CHTI has on healthcare in South Sudan, ultimately saving lives and making a significant difference in the community.
A Beacon of Hope for South Sudan
CHTI is indeed a beacon of hope for the people of South Sudan, contributing to a healthier and more robust future for the nation through the training of dedicated healthcare professionals. The institute’s partnership with UN peacekeepers is a testament to its commitment to enhancing medical education and saving lives in South Sudan.
Sources: THX News & United Nations Mission in South Sudan.