Matthew Jones is a UK-trained doctor and our first Aurora Fellow. He will be serving at St. Theresa Hospital in Nzara, South Sudan for the next nine months. Since arriving, he has been capturing moments on video and creating these beautiful video diaries. These videos give us a rare glimpse into the lives of the people he serves and the health professionals he works alongside of in South Sudan.
Click to watch
[huge_it_videogallery id=”7″]
This page will be updated regularly.
Summary of the videos
First episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, March 1, 2018. Click to read.
In Dr. Matthew’s first ever video blog he shares his hopes for his time in South Sudan, and what he wants to try to achieve by sharing these video diaries.
“The only hope I have of understanding is to be humble and just listen.”
Second episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, March 5, 2018. Click to watch his first impressions.
In this episode, Dr. Matthew gives us a glimpse of his new life in South Sudan. Introducing us to some of his new colleagues and friends and shares some special firsts experienced since arriving to Nzara.
“There have been moments of great frustration and moments of great joy as well.”
Third episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, March 14, 2018. Click to watch.
Dr. Matthew is back, this time talking about the many challenges that St. Theresa Hospital in South Sudan faces, among the most prominent is a lack of resources. He highlights how treating life-threatening infections, like meningitis, that much riskier. As a result, communities unfortunately, have a lack of faith when it comes to seeking professional medical help. Many, choose to seek help from native healers instead.
Forth episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, Click and celebrate Sister Laura.
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Jones puts a well-deserved spotlight on Sister Laura in South Sudan. In this interview, Sister Laura shares her story of what brought her to South Sudan and what implores her to stay.
“I didn’t experience one single day of peace since I arrived. But I am happy because I shared with the people the uncertainty, the insecurity, the suffering, and the little joy that every day life gives us.”
Fifth episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, Click to learn about the lot of women in South Sudan
In this video blog, Matthew shares what he has learned so far about life for women in this remote community.
“I have the privilege of making this choice, a choice that has led Dr. Laja and me to leading such similar lives. But she has significantly less choice.”
Sixth episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, Click to learn more about Dr. Mustapha
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Jones shines a light on Dr. Mustapha. He serves at the St. Theresa Hospital in Nzara, one of the most remote and impoverished parts of the world. He encounters countless obstacles in his work, including poor infrastructure, lack of medicine, limited access to water and sanitation, and insufficient staffing. In the face of all these limitations, he continues to show up and to do what he can.
“He appears a perfect fusion of western and non-western medical culture, a man with Africa in his heart, loyal and devoted, but also capable of acting as an intermediary between Western donors and charities and the local culture. His gaze is local, his perspective global.”
Seventh episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, Click to hear the update about Kerima
Dr. Matthew Jones shared the story of Kerima, a six-year-old girl in South Sudan recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Her story shines a light on all the obstacles that stand in the way of accessing essential, life-saving care, especially for those living in the most remote places in the world.
“I watch Kerima and Halima going for walks in the hospital, holding hands. I hear her crying because she is no longer allowed to eat whatever she wants. How to explain to a six year old that she is different now than her school friends, different in diet, different in body.”
Eight episode from Dr. Matthew Jones, Click to see the hope of South Sudan
In this episode, Dr. Matthew Jones talks about his work training young, South Sudanese health practitioners – the hope of South Sudan.