The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recorded its highest number of physical rehabilitation patients in a decade, signalling a sharp increase in the need for assistive services across conflict-hit regions of South Sudan.
In its 2025 update, the organisation said it supported more than 3,700 people with physical rehabilitation care, up from 3,300 in 2024.
Officials attribute the rise to worsening humanitarian needs and growing trust in rehabilitation centres.
“This is the largest number of patients we’ve supported in ten years,” an ICRC representative said.
“The demand for mobility assistance is rising, and we are working tirelessly to ensure people regain independence and dignity.”
The organisation reported delivering 751 prostheses and orthoses, 608 wheelchairs, and 2,109 walking aids—including crutches and walkers—to patients recovering from gunshot injuries, landmine blasts, and medical complications exacerbated by prolonged instability.
“These devices are not just equipment,” the spokesperson said. “For many patients, a prosthetic limb or a wheelchair is the difference between isolation and participation in daily life.”
Despite the progress, humanitarian workers noted persistent challenges, including limited access to remote areas and the high cost of specialised materials.
ICRC teams said they remain committed to expanding services to reach more people in need.
“We will continue scaling up rehabilitation support because the needs are real, urgent, and growing,” the organisation said, calling for sustained international support to maintain critical services for thousands of South Sudanese living with disabilities.