Battling Malnutrition in South Sudan
After nearly three years of violence and civil war in Sudan, the Sudan refugee crisis is one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. More than 4.4 million people have been forced to flee the country in that time, with about 1.3 million settling in neighboring South Sudan.
Refugees arrive here in search of safety and access to basic human rights, but the reality is often much more difficult. On one hand, South Sudan faces its own violence and political instability. Fighting between the military and armed resistance groups is frequent, and a series of anti-Sudanese riots last January further displaced thousands of refugees–including 6,800 to Gorom Refugee Settlement where Peace Winds operates.
Now, refugees and others in South Sudan are grappling with the long-lasting impacts of last year’s U.S. foreign assistance cuts. Work opportunities are unstable, and many refugees have typically relied on food assistance programs. But these were dramatically reduced. As a result, hunger and malnutrition are daily realities at Gorom Refugee Settlement, especially for infants and children.
In the midst of this hardship, Peace Winds is working to support families’ wellbeing through its Gorom Primary Healthcare Center. This is done largely through a community-based model. Community members who participate as Community Nutrition Volunteers receive special training on how to consult with families and identify at-risk children early.
At the health center, healthcare workers support parents by pairing nutrition guidance with feeding programs that provide lifesaving emergency rations for children and pregnant women. In severe cases, they also refer patients to the nearest hospital in Juba, which is about 15 miles away. The program has saved the lives of children and babies like Gosma, who was on the brink of death after contracting sepsis while battling severe acute malnutrition.
In addition to emergency food rations for malnourished children, residents rely on Peace Winds’ health center for everything from routine check-ups and vaccines to maternal care. Due to funding limitations, the center faces daily challenges related to medication, supplies, and staffing shortages. However, with your support, the team is managing to provide care to 100 patients each day.
Peace Winds is also helping to mitigate the spread of disease in Gorom by promoting hygiene education and ensuring that residents have access to clean water for drinking, hand washing, bathing, and cooking.
Your donations help us continue to support refugees and other members of the Gorom community.