Despite regional insecurities, IMC provides essential services and supplies to people in south Sudan

With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement by the government of Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), there are high expectations that stability will finally be seen in southern Sudan, where International Medical Corps is assisting approximately 500,000 people with vital services ranging from primary health care to water and sanitation.

PHOTO: IMC More than 10,000 people took part in the World AIDS Day events in Kenema, located in Sierra Leone's eastern province.

Following the cessation of fighting between North and South in early 2005, IMC has increasingly focused on long-term strategies to help the local population improve and sustain their health care system.

IMC has overcome the instability in southern Sudan’s Western Equatoria State and has provided residents and returnees with comprehensive health care including maternal-child care, an extended immunization program, disease prevention and treatment, sexual and reproductive health services, and HIV/AIDS and health awareness and education.

IMC is rebuilding health centers, wells and latrines, and providing its clinics with drugs and sanitation and hygiene supplies. IMC is also distributing treated mosquito nets to those who are most vulnerable, including pregnant mothers and children under five.

Village Health Committees (VHCs) are mobilized to support the administration of local health facilities and increase community participation in health programs. VHCs are made up of local community members who provide assistance in burning bricks, collecting sand, timber and stones to construct health facilities. To date, IMC has formed 13 VHCs and is working closely with them and the County Health Department and Ministry of Health staff.

IMC and VHCshave constructed laboratories in the region’s Gangura and Sakure primary health centers. IMC supplied two centers with microscopes and hired lab technicians to test patients for malaria and other diseases. Most health facilities are on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels hide to attack South Sudan’s Yambio town.

PHOTO: IMC More than 10,000 people took part in the World AIDS Day events in Kenema, located in Sierra Leone's eastern province.

A local chief expressed disappointment with the destruction of his village by bandits. Bricks that were set and ready for burning had been destroyed by the LRA, leaving the community discouraged. However, the chief and the VHCs are hopeful that they will be able to resume their work soon.

UNHCR’s voluntary repatriation of refugees from the DRC and Central Africa Republic to Yambio and Nzara counties began in September 2006. IMC is providing medical screenings to individuals at the Yambio Way Stations as well as consultations to hundreds more at primary health care centers along the border.

Western Equatoria State is one of those complex humanitarian crises that tend to be forgotten. The current insecurity in the region is due to last year’s inter-tribal fighting and recent LRA rebel attacks in Yambio town, which have mainly targeted UN and non governmental organization compounds.

With the ongoing peace talks between LRA rebels and the Ugandan government in Juba South Sudan, mediated by the Government of South Sudan, there is hope for long-term peace in the region. IMC has 14 years’ experience providing humanitarian assistance in this part of South Sudan and is committed to its long term success.