"Southern Sudan has been in war for so many years," explained Riek. "So the little health system that we had here has been destroyed and especially before we came in 2005 there was nothing on the ground."

In 55 years of independence only 1,000 doctors were trained in the region.

Most left or entered other professions. As a result, today there are only 300 doctors and 20 trained mid-wives.

Riek says health care is linked with many other sectors of society. Therefore southern Sudan's needs must be addressed comprehensively.

"For us to be able to make that progress, we need to do well in our water," added Riek. "We need to do well in our security. We need to do well in our roads. We need to do well in our personal hygiene. We need to well in our social services and human protections to be able to realize health in the way the WHO defines it. That is not only the absence of disease, but it is a complete physical, mental and social well-being."

The situation has improved since a peace agreement six years ago brought autonomous local government to the region.

The local authorities, working with international donors, have begun re-building hospitals and clinics. But a major challenge is training the professionals to staff them.

Riek says one of the main reasons for the war was neglect by the government in Khartoum.

"We did not go to war because we are war lovers," added Riek. "We went to war because we need clean water. We need good health. We need education. We need good roads. Those were not there. So hopefully now we have the government that we call our government, and we hope we will be able to provide those needs to the people of southern Sudan."