“The situation left us helpless. We could not do much since our farmlands were destroyed by floods. We thank World Vision for the food aid because it enabled us to survive hunger.” With support from the World Food Programme (WFP), World Vision’s Food Assistance Project distributed maize, vegetable oil, beans, salt, CSB++ and plumpy nuts to over 64,000 internally displaced people in Tonj North.
The communities in Upper Nile State’s Fashoda and Manyo Counties have been classified as in a state of emergency with 16 percent of the population facing food insecurity, worsening the already high malnutrition rate among children.
Mothers in South Sudan are up against incredible challenge from the COVID-19 pandemic to hunger, with over 7.7 million people projected to face food insecurity in 2021. But the spirit of hope never dim for Achol and many mothers. Their selfless determination to raise their children well are stories of courage and resilience.
22 March is World Water Day: "A majority of the children suffering from malnutrition can be attributed to lack of clean water supply. It is a very critical need", says Komakech Ronald Mandela, World Vision's Nutrition Coordinator in Juba, South Sudan.
“The South Sudanese women and children are the most affected in the onset of conflict, hunger and the pandemic. Women shoulder the burden of taking care of their children."
World Vision, funded by Civil Society Facility, implemented the Western Equatoria Civil Society Capacity Building Project (WECAP) in partnership with 10 local civil society organizations whose 279 staff members were trained in project proposal development, leadership and governance, monitoring and evaluation, human rights approaches, development of strategic plans, and advocacy.
"We could not stop the conflict, that’s why we are here as refugees. But we can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the camp,” shares Esther, 9. The project supporting children in Makpandu Refugee Camp South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State is supported by UNHCR.
In partnership with Health Pooled Fund (HPF), World Vision introduced the Boma* Health Initiative (BHI) in Ezo County and nearby counties of South Sudan's Western Equatoria State in 2019. In 2020, this initiative has provided treatment to 18,417 children sick with malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia.
"In South Sudan, the impact was severe on the millions who suffer from the convergence of vulnerabilities and depend on external assistance. Amidst all this, World Vision was able to reach 2.8 million with its campaign and much-needed lifesaving interventions through the gracious support of our donors and partners. We are extremely grateful of the partnerships. No man is indeed an island." Watch our One Year On video.
"I didn’t have a place to stay, but the village chief provided us a space where we can build a house. He introduced me to World Vision’s women and girls friendly space. After weeks of psychosocial support and counselling, I felt normal again", says Charity, 38. This women and girls friendly spaces (WAGFS) is supported by the World Food Programme (WFP).
A Game Changer for Women in Agriculture: Akech, a mother of seven from Warrap State, has proven that South Sudanese women if given the opportunity, can be a great leader. She did not just change her life, but her whole community as well, leading by example. This food security and nutrition project implemented through South Sudan Grassroots Initiative for Development (SSGID) is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Cooperation.
"Responding to a pandemic as unprecedented as COVID-19 demands, above all, the "Jesus approach" of unconditional love and care for the needy, looking after our neighbours, and deliberate contributions to the global good" - Dr. Mesfin Loha, Country Director, World Vision South Sudan
World Vision's #HiddenHero in South Sudan delivers humanitarian assistance even on difficult challenges like risks of COVID-19. Every effort is filled with commitment, courage, and compassion for fellow South Sudanese in urgent need. We celebrate their quiet heroism. The world needs more.
#RealLifeHeroes: Instead of losing hope and giving up during this COVID-19 pandemic, these South Sudanese mothers are producing face masks to earn income, feed their children, and protect their communities. Every mother is a #hiddenhero doing her best for her family - with eyes focused on a brighter future.
World Vision has been working in South Sudan since 1989 and has served over 1.3 million people, more than 600,000 of them children, through our humanitarian work. Our operations cover four major zones: Juba, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Western Equatoria.
We were one of the few organizations that provided assistance during the war to the displaced populations in what was then the Southern Sudan region of Sudan, until after the birth of the Republic of South Sudan on 9 July 2011.
The widespread violence during the country’s 5th anniversary of independence made the humanitarian emergency even worse. Food insecurity continues to plague over 7 million people and a recent UN report stated that an estimated 360,000 children under five suffer severe malnutrition.
Today, World Vision's humanitarian assistance has reached out to over 1.5 million people in need through various initiatives such as food security and livelihood, health and nutrition, protection, education, water, sanitation and hygiene among others.
The coronavirus pandemic was declared globally on 11 March 2020 and the first cases in South Sudan were recorded on 5 April 2020. The country's population has been through a lot of suffering and was worsened by the crisis. But it was also a year that brought people together showing courage, resilience, and unity.
Join World Vision’s journey working in a fragile context such as South Sudan
Education is among the hardest hit sectors when COVID-19 hit South Sudan in 2020. As soon as the lockdown was imposed and schools were close, many children felt doors to their future closed. A UN report estimated that around two million children in primary and secondary schools were deprived of learning opportunity. The report further states that this is in addition to the over 2.2 million who were already out of school due to poverty and many other reasons plaguing the country.
We have provided over 212,000 people with clean water in South Sudan. Apart from promoting good health and hygiene, these girls will no longer have to walk for miles to get their supply. It is right next to their houses.
With hot and healthy food served in school meal program, children like Kon can focus on their studies and learn more. It looks yummy!
World Vision has over 1,000 staff working in four zones in South Sudan: Juba, Upper Nile, Warrap and Western Equatoria. Working in a fragile context not only requires competence and skills it also requires commitment and courage.
It Takes A Nation
More than 19,000 South Sudanese children are associated with armed groups and the long-running conflict. This has to stop. Watch Nancy's story.
