About 32 people suffering from goitre have been successfully operated at St. Daniel Comboni Hospital in Wau town of Western Bahr al Ghazal State, as part of a 10-day initiative launched by the Catholic Diocese of Wau.

Goitre is a swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump in the front of the neck. Although goitres are usually painless, large ones can cause cough and make it difficult for a person to swallow or breathe. 

Tetahana Gaaba, the health advisor for the Catholic Diocese of Wau, told reporters that the goitre campaign which brought patients from Northern Bahr al Ghazal, Warrap and Western Bahr al Ghazal States was concluded on Tuesday.

Tetahana said many people are suffering from goitre disease in South Sudan and that the demands for goitre operations are increasing.

“All patients were operated successfully but I have to say the demands for these operations are really, really high. My phone will not stop calling people who want to have an operation because there is a huge demand by many people suffering from goitre here in South Sudan,” she added. 

The health adviser assured the public that the same free surgery will be taking place every year with some little improvements. She commended the medical doctors for working tirelessly during the campaign to help the vulnerable group.

Asunta Peter, a goitre patient who received free surgery, said she is now getting better than before because she has no more pains in her body since the operation was done.

“My operation finished successfully within two days and now am discharged going home,” Asunta said. “Now, I don’t have any problem again in my body compared to the past, now there is nothing.”

Ayen Agok, another patient whose operation was also successful, said she has been relieved from a serious pain she was experiencing for a long period of time.

“Previously, it used to be painful when I carry anything. It was so difficult for me to do anything, so now, I am waiting for this operation so that I recover well. I will be so happy,” Agok said.

The goitre campaign was launched by the Catholic Diocese of Wau with support from the German Bishops' Conference and partnership with the Western Bahr al Ghazal State Ministry of Health.