After years of uncertainty, Morube Patrick finally found hope when Chinese gastroenterologist Ding Yun, working with South Sudanese colleagues, diagnosed his mother's condition using an endoscopy machine donated by the Chinese government.
JUBA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Morube Patrick, a 50-year-old resident of Juba's Rock City suburb, spent years moving from clinic to clinic in search of treatment for his ailing mother, Turufayna Nyoka, who had been suffering from esophagitis. Esophagitis, an inflammation of the esophagus lining, made it difficult for her to eat and worsened her health.
After years of uncertainty, Patrick finally found hope when Chinese gastroenterologist Ding Yun, working with her South Sudanese colleagues at Juba Teaching Hospital in the South Sudanese capital of Juba, diagnosed his mother's condition using an endoscopy machine donated by the Chinese government.
"My mother's hands started shaking seven years ago. We visited various clinics but did not find a solution. Then, recently, she was diagnosed with fluid in her stomach at a private clinic, but her condition did not improve," Patrick told Xinhua.
Despite efforts from doctors in private clinics, Nyoka's health continued to decline. "We are very grateful to the Chinese doctors at Juba Teaching Hospital. I have seen them working tirelessly, and I hope they can heal my mother," Patrick said.
Ding prescribed free medication for Nyoka, who remains under care at the hospital. Ding is part of the 12th batch of Chinese medical professionals assisting South Sudan. Over the past 12 years, 164 Chinese medical personnel have provided services to more than 70,000 patients and performed over 1,000 surgeries in the country.
John Ajak, 44, shared a similar story of relief after his 60-year-old mother, Daruka Agao, was treated by Ding for gastrointestinal bleeding. "We came here two weeks ago, and after four days, she underwent surgery. They found wounds in her chest, and now her condition has improved," Ajak said.
Ajak was shocked to learn the true severity of his mother's condition after tests conducted by the Chinese doctors revealed a different ailment. "When we came here, they did tests and discovered the issue," he added. He returned to the hospital Wednesday to collect additional medication from the Chinese medical team.
Ding sees patients daily in the endoscopy room, diagnosing various gastric disorders. "Many patients I treat suffer from having only one meal a day, which prevents stomach acid from flowing properly to the duodenum. Others consume too much sugary food, which leads to excess acid production," Ding explained.
In September, her team diagnosed around 20 patients with chronic gastritis, many cases linked to poor eating habits.
Ochi Erineo, a 28-year-old intern doctor working with Ding, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the experienced Chinese team. The collaboration between Chinese and South Sudanese medical professionals at Juba Teaching Hospital is transforming healthcare, providing much-needed services and expertise while empowering local doctors to improve their skills.
"I have learned so much from them, from preparing patients for different types of endoscopy to understanding the procedures. As long as they are here, I will continue training with them to improve my skills," Erineo said.■
