In the heart of Upper Nile State, South Sudan, lies Renk Civil Hospital, a vital facility for both residents and displaced people. Located in Renk County, the hospital serves over 40,000 people from nearby areas, including Jelhak, Shemidi, Geierger, and parts of Renk city like Saraya and Abayok. However, due to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, Renk has also become a haven for more than 60,000 refugees and South Sudanese returnees seeking safety and healthcare.
As violence intensified along the border, injuries from armed conflict began to overwhelm Renk Civil Hospital. With over 300 emergency surgical cases due to war-related trauma, the already limited infrastructure was stretched thin under immense pressure. In May 2025 alone, more than 30,000 people arrived in South Sudan via Renk, a staggering 38% increase from the previous month, further straining health services.
Amid this crisis, AIRD took swift action.
Building Health, Restoring Dignity
In commemoration of World Refugee Day on June 20, 2025, AIRD handed over a series of construction projects that have transformed the capacity of Renk Civil Hospital. These projects were designed not just to improve infrastructure, but to restore dignity and deliver critical care to communities under immense strain.
The Projects:
• Construction of a Surgery Room and Sterilization Block: A fully equipped theater that now provides a safer and more sterile environment for life-saving procedures. With increased demand from trauma cases, this facility will significantly reduce surgical delays and improve outcomes.
• Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Maternity Ward (7 x 9.5 m²): With thousands of women arriving from conflict-affected areas, the maternity wing had become overcrowded. This renovation allows more mothers to deliver safely with dignity and skilled support.
• Construction of a Male Ward: The addition of a dedicated space for male patients eases congestion and ensures better gender-sensitive care.
• Rehabilitation of the Road to Renk Hospital: A once-neglected road, now repaired, ensures faster and safer access to medical help, especially during emergencies.
A Community-Centered Celebration
The handover ceremony brought together government officials, including the Renk County Commissioner, UNHCR leadership, and community members, both refugees and hosts. This event is more than symbolic; it marks a shared commitment to humanity, health, and resilience.
These interventions, delivered by AIRD with the support of UNHCR, are not merely construction works; they are lifelines. They represent hope for a mother in labor, safety for a wounded refugee, and reassurance for health workers battling against impossible odds.
Through these projects, AIRD continues to restore dignity to those who need it most.
