Obituaries
Obituaries
The medical fraternity in South Sudan was hit very hard in August and October 2018 with the loss of four of its prominent members. These colleagues served the people and the country diligently. From a doctor who was a fearless advocate for peace and women issues to a pharmacist loved by all, to the doctor who walked the jungles of South Sudan fighting sleeping sickness, and a tireless physician who worked in many parts of the Sudan, the SSMJ honours their legacy in this issue; we remember their contributions to building a strong health service delivery system in South Sudan that meets the expectations of the community they served.
Dr Priscilla Nyanyang Kuch
Dr Priscilla Joseph Kuch, born in 1964, was a South Sudanese politician, peace activist and Associate Professor of community medicine at the University of Juba’s College of Medicine.
Dr Priscilla earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in 1978 from the University of Khartoum. She received her Master of Community Medicine in 1987 also from the University of Khartoum.
During her life, Dr Priscilla served in many positions of influence in the society and government. Between 2005 and 2010 she served as a Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) member of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee in the National Parliament. She was appointed Minister Without Portfolio in the Cabinet of South Sudan on 10 July 2011. She was also the former Deputy Minister for gender, child and social welfare (2011-2013). As deputy minister, she travelled to New York City in 2013 for the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women and while in New York met with the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights.
Dr Priscilla was one of the founding members of the South Sudan Doctors’ Association (SOSDA) in 2005 and played a crucial role in its development. She will be remembered as a tireless advocate for women rights in South Sudan. She died on 8 October, 2018 in the Sudanese capital Khartoum while undergoing treatment
Dr James Ukello Morgan
Dr James Morgan was a physician working in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State. Following his graduation from the University of Khartoum in 1983, Dr James worked in several hospitals in Sudan: Sennar, Duem, Kawa, Um Jar, Kosti, Managil and Medani.
In 1987, Dr Jacob joined the Health Training Institute for Medical Assistants as its academic Director in Wau, South Sudan, then moved to Medani due to the conflict in 1988. He served in this position until its closure in 1998. Dr James continue to work at Medani hospital and joined the University of Gezira to pursue his graduate studies in Internal Medicine, which he finished in 2001.
Dr James served in several prominent positions in his life. He was Minister of Health for five years from 2001-2005 in Western Bahr el Ghazal State until the dissolution of government following the peace agreement. He worked as Director General of Wau Hospital, Director General of the Ministry of Health in Wau, as well as with the United Nations in Wau. He also taught at the University of Bahr el Ghazal. Dr James was loved by his community, in which he was an active member in many ways, being especially supportive of traditional dance groups in his community.
Dr James died on 31 August, 2018 in Wau. He is survived by his wife and six children.
Dr Jacob Lazarous Daro Lopidia
Born in Juba on 18 August 1953, Dr Jacob Lazarous obtained his bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Zagazig in Egypt in 1982.
Following his return, Jacob joined the Regional Government and worked in Juba as a pharmacists at Juba Teaching Hospital. In 1991, Jacob joined the Equatoria Coordination office in Khartoum as its Health Coordinator until 1994.
Dr Jacob has worked in several positions since then. He joined Tayfour Pharmacy and worked with them in Gaderif; he worked with the General Medical Stores of the National Ministry of Health in Khartoum and as Regional Pharmacy Supervisor based in Malakal, South Sudan.
Since 2012, Dr Jacob served as the Director for Pharmaceutical Services of the Central Equatoria State (Jubek State).
Dr Jacob suffered a heart attack and died on 29 August 2018 at his house in Juba. He is survived by two wives and eight children.
Dr Apollo Sworo Oliver Duku
Dr Apollo was born on 29 August 1969 in Turbigen, Germany, to father Dr Oliver Duku and mother Tabitha.
Dr Apollo received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Juba. He worked in Gaderif Civil Hospital as well as Bentiu with Unicef in 2000 – 2002, as County Medical Officer in Kajo Keji from 2002 – 2005 and as Medical Officer at Juba Teaching Hospital from 2005 – 2006.
From 2006, Dr Apollo worked as Deputy Director for the sleeping sickness programme of the South Sudan Ministry of Health until his demise in Juba on 7 August, 2018.
