42 surgeries in 48 hours: South Sudan doctors battle violence
A senior South Sudanese doctor performed 42 emergency surgeries in 48 hours after a gang shoot‑out, underscoring the nation’s violent conflict and dire medical shortages. The incident reflects a cycle of cattle raiding, territorial disputes and revenge attacks that leave civilians, including childr…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a rural clinic in South Sudan, a single physician worked around the clock to treat victims of a sudden gang shoot‑out, performing 42 surgeries in just 48 hours. The event, which unfolded in April, highlighted the escalating violence that plagues the country and the severe strain on its already fragile health system.
Violence that fuels the crisis
South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, has been mired in inter‑communal conflict for the past four years. Armed youth militias, often from pastoral communities known as Titweng or “cattle guard,” engage in cattle raiding, territorial disputes and revenge attacks. These clashes are not limited to adults; children are also caught in the crossfire. A four‑year‑old boy suffered a fractured leg from a gunshot, while a nine‑month‑old baby girl was grazed by the same bullet that killed her father.
These incidents are part of a self‑reinforcing cycle of violence that leaves communities in constant fear. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the country is at a “breaking point” as indiscriminate attacks, forced recruitment and targeted violence against healthcare facilities continue unabated. MSF reports treating an average of 16 people per day for violence‑related injuries across six states and two administrative areas, while attacks on hospitals have left more than 760,000 people without access to medical care.
Dr. Mathiang Agany’s extraordinary day
Dr. Mathiang Agany, a 44‑year‑old maternal health specialist, was the most senior doctor at a basic hospital in rural South Sudan when the shoot‑out occurred. Within a humid morning, he and his team—comprising a second surgeon, a nurse and an anaesthetist—performed 42 surgeries over a 48‑hour period.
The procedures ranged from extracting bullets from vital organs in nine patients, to gluing fractured bones in 22 cases, clamping damaged tissues in four, and repairing torn organs. In addition, Dr. Agany delivered seven babies via emergency caesarean sections. Despite the exhaustion, he told reporters, “My job was to keep people alive.”
Systemic challenges and international aid
The crisis is compounded by chronic shortages of medical supplies. After last year’s aid cuts, Dr. Agany’s team had only a single box of 24 medical gloves, which was expected to last three months. Staff retention is also problematic, with some team members returning to the capital after just a week.
Amref Health Africa, the continent’s leading health NGO, has stepped in to fund the training and recruitment of local medical officers, nurses and laboratory technicians. Their efforts aim to build a more sustainable workforce capable of meeting the country’s urgent needs.
Maternal health in peril
South Sudan ranks among the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, with approximately 1,200 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Agany notes that obstructed labour is the leading cause of maternal death at Tonj Civil Hospital. The problem is exacerbated by a high number of mothers under 18, whose underdeveloped pelvic bones often prevent safe passage of the baby, leading to fatal complications.
In 2021, after witnessing numerous childbirth fatalities, Dr. Agany secured a scholarship to complete a master’s degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Uganda. He is now the only specialist of his kind in the state, enabling him to provide advanced care and reduce maternal mortality.
What comes next?
The situation remains volatile. While international organizations continue to provide emergency aid, the underlying causes of violence—cattle raiding, territorial disputes and revenge attacks—require long‑term political solutions. For healthcare workers like Dr. Agany, the immediate priority is to keep treating survivors and to advocate for safer, better‑equipped facilities.
As South Sudan navigates its post‑independence challenges, the resilience of its medical professionals offers a glimmer of hope amid a landscape of conflict and scarcity.
Key facts
- 42 emergency surgeries performed in 48 hours after a gang shoot‑out
- South Sudan’s violence stems from cattle raiding and territorial disputes
- MSF reports 16 daily violence injuries and 760,000 without medical access
- Medical supply shortages and staff turnover are critical issues
- Dr. Agany is the only obstetrics specialist in his state after a master’s degree
- International NGOs are training local health workers to address gaps
Why it matters
The story exposes how ongoing violence directly undermines healthcare delivery, leading to preventable deaths and a deteriorating public health system.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the surge in surgeries at the rural hospital?
A sudden gang shoot‑out in April injured dozens of civilians, requiring immediate emergency surgical intervention.
How many people are affected by the lack of medical supplies in South Sudan?
After aid cuts, a single box of 24 gloves was expected to last three months, indicating severe shortages across the country.
What is the maternal mortality rate in South Sudan?
Approximately 1,200 deaths per 100,000 live births, one of the highest globally.
Sources
- [1] telegraph.co.uk — originally reported as “‘42 surgeries in 48 hours’: Doctors face extreme pressure in South Sudan”
