Central Equatoria Upgrades Hospitals in Yei, Lainya and Terekeka as Residents Call for Swift Action

JUBA, South Sudan — September 12, 2026

Residents in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, have welcomed a government decision to upgrade major health facilities in Yei, Lainya and Terekeka, while calling on authorities to ensure the changes quickly lead to better healthcare services.

Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony ordered the upgrades through a directive that took effect on September 10. Under the decision, Lainya Primary Health Care Centre and Terekeka Primary Health Care Centre have been elevated to county hospitals, while Yei Civil Hospital has been elevated to state referral hospital status.

The changes are intended to expand healthcare services and strengthen the referral system outside Juba, particularly for communities that have struggled to access higher-level treatment. The state directive calls for improvements in staffing, infrastructure, medical equipment and supplies in line with national health standards.

Residents responding to the announcement welcomed the decision but said changing the status of the hospitals must be followed by practical improvements. They called for qualified health workers, medicines, equipment and modern facilities to be provided so patients can benefit from the upgrades.

The need for improved healthcare remains particularly serious in parts of Yei River County. Residents of Lasu Payam reported that their local health centre is not operating because of shortages of medicines and health workers, forcing some patients to travel to Yei town or cross into neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo for treatment.

The hospital upgrades could also reduce the need for some patients from Lainya and Terekeka to travel to Juba for emergency, maternal, surgical and inpatient services. Yei's upgraded hospital is expected to provide stronger referral and specialist services for communities in the surrounding area.

Residents are now looking to the Central Equatoria State Government and health authorities for an implementation plan that turns the directive into functioning services.

For communities across Yei, Lainya and Terekeka, the measure could represent an important improvement in healthcare in South Sudan—but its impact will depend on whether the upgraded hospitals receive the staff, medicines, equipment and infrastructure required to operate at their new levels.