08/03/2025
His Excellency Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Development and International Organizations Affairs, in an interview with (The Mail) about the Madol Field Hospital in Northern Bahr el Ghazal
*The 100-bed hospital is managed by Burjeel Medical Group. It features state-of-the-art equipment and technology and is supervised by a specialized medical team of more than 100 medical and administrative staff.
*The hospital serves as a major medical center for over 2 million people, including Sudanese refugees, and will be a focal point for primary healthcare facilities and government health centers in the region.
*The project aims to strengthen the local healthcare system by providing both basic and specialized services, including improving maternal and child health, combating malnutrition, supporting mental health, and offering training for healthcare workers.
Interview by: Samir Bol | Juba, March 6, 2025
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Q: The UAE has a proven track record of providing humanitarian assistance globally. What were the main motivations behind establishing this field hospital in South Sudan specifically? Why is the timing so important?
His Excellency Sultan: Initially, there were discussions with the South Sudanese government about supporting Aweil District Hospital, but the pressure on that facility was overwhelming. Therefore, the South Sudanese government suggested Madol, 50 kilometers from Aweil, as a suitable location. Additionally, Madol is home to Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese citizens returning from Sudan. A fully integrated hospital was established, offering specialized medical services for children and women, surgical operations, clinics, and a pharmacy. The hospital has 100 beds and operates 24/7, managed by an Emirati company.
Q: What message does the UAE want to convey through this project to the international community regarding health support for areas suffering from crises?
His Excellency Sultan: We are happy to cooperate with our brothers in South Sudan to provide medical care. The hospital will collaborate with the Ministry of Health in South Sudan to provide treatment, vaccinations, and nutritional support for children. The message we want to send is that the UAE operates according to a humanitarian approach, and we are fully committed to working alongside our brothers and friends to enhance the medical care that people in the host communities deserve.
Q: What were the main motivations behind establishing this field hospital in South Sudan specifically? And why is the current timing so important?
His Excellency Sultan: The ongoing events in Sudan over the past two years have severely affected the health sector and other essential services, prompting many Sudanese to seek refuge in neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Uganda. Therefore, the timing is crucial, given the growing humanitarian needs. The UAE is working to provide medical care—not as a temporary solution—but as integrated services to address the ongoing healthcare needs in South Sudan.
Q: Establishing a field hospital in a complex environment like South Sudan presents logistical and security challenges. What were the most prominent obstacles faced by the team, and how were they overcome?
His Excellency Sultan:We thank the Government of South Sudan, especially the Ministry of Health, for providing all the necessary support to establish the hospital. As with any humanitarian project, challenges arise. The area was remote and required significant logistical support, but these challenges were overcome thanks to the UAE’s expertise in this field and the strong cooperation from the South Sudanese government. The land was properly prepared with consideration for the rainy season, and the hospital structure was raised using concrete to ensure proper energy regulation. Clean water was another significant challenge, but we made sure the hospital was supplied with water and established water stations for the surrounding community. The hospital is also provided with continuous power, 24 hours a day.
Q: Does this project indicate a trend for the UAE to expand its humanitarian presence in South Sudan or other regions experiencing similar crises?
His Excellency Sultan: The UAE continues its humanitarian approach, and this is not new to us. There is a particular focus on supporting South Sudan through UN organizations and by providing food, water programs, and medical services. We will continue to respond to evolving needs and expand our humanitarian activities to support those in need, whether they are Sudanese refugees or members of the host community in South Sudan. The UAE will also continue to support South Sudan’s neighboring countries like Chad and Uganda, as well as establish health centers inside Sudan. Furthermore, the UAE will work with UN organizations in various regions of Sudan to provide food and health programs. Our humanitarian efforts are not limited to Africa but extend to Asia as well, with initiatives in countries such as Afghanistan and Bangladesh, in addition to supporting remote areas. The UAE remains committed to providing global relief and support in line with the directives of our leadership to stand by brothers and friends around the world.
Q: How does this hospital reflect the UAE’s evolving role in the global humanitarian scene, particularly within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, such as Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)?
His Excellency Sultan: The UAE is working tirelessly to empower countries in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. With only five years remaining in the 2030 Agenda, the third goal—Good Health and Well-being—is a top priority for the UAE, alongside other goals such as education and women’s empowerment. The UAE is considered one of the leading countries supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. To empower countries, this requires collaborative efforts with international organizations, supporting countries, and assisting those benefiting from this support in achieving part of the SDGs.
Q: Are there other similar projects by the UAE in other countries that face challenges similar to those in South Sudan?
His Excellency Sultan: Yes, similar projects have been implemented in countries such as Chad, Liberia, and Indonesia. Additionally, the UAE supports sustainable development projects, particularly in the areas of water management and dam construction. Around 80% of the UAE’s aid is developmental, while 20% is allocated to humanitarian work, addressing challenges in regions affected by major conflicts, such as Sudan and its neighboring countries, as well as other regions like Gaza and Ukraine.
Q: Finally, as a humanitarian leader, what values or experiences inspire you in leading such projects? And what impact do you hope this hospital will have on the local community?
His Excellency Sultan: The UAE is committed to humanitarian work through leadership, direction, and empowering countries to build their capacities. This hospital will serve as a focal point for providing health services to the region. It will act as an important medical hub in Bahr el Ghazal and neighboring areas, where approximately 2 million people currently lack access to adequate healthcare. This initiative is designed to support the host community by providing integrated, advanced care using the latest equipment. Furthermore, 80% of the hospital’s medical staff are from South Sudan, whether from Bahr el Ghazal or neighboring regions, contributing to job creation and strengthening the local workforce.
Q: Thank you.
His Excellency Sultan: Thank you.
