South Sudan is a country facing significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and instability. To address this, Oxfam is supporting health and nutrition initiatives that significantly benefit communities in South Sudan. This organization has been active in Sudan for more than 30 years and is helping families rebuild their lives. After becoming an independent state just over a decade ago, South Sudan became caught in conflict when war arose in Juba in 2013, becoming one of the many new hosts of 2.5 million refugees living in poverty.

Taking Action

Oxfam’s health interventions include installing wells remote water and sanitation stations, increasing food security and protecting land rights and natural resources, particularly for farmers. Oxfam has provided aid by distributing food to more than 415,000 individuals and helping more than 140,000 people reach clean water and sanitation stations throughout their time in the country. 

It is increasing access to these resources by prioritizing the islands closest to Nyal, where a majority of families are coming from. To support the influx of people coming in, Oxfam provides emergency services to communities by increasing gardens, water storage points, bathing facilities and providing cooking and farming supplies. This empowers communities to rebuild their livelihoods to support their families long-term. The number of refugees seeking aid in the country has increased 10 times since gaining independence, reaching about 107,000 people in 2012.

Hunger

In addition to an increase in refugees, more than half of the population of South Sudan already lives in extreme hunger. The state relies heavily on imported foods and with the impact of border conflicts making imports less accessible, inflation is at a high. Increasing food prices make it more difficult for people to feed their families, increasing widespread famine and malnutrition. Not only does Oxfam provide families with the tools necessary to restabilize, but it also teaches them efficient farming and planting techniques. These processes could improve their crop yield and soil fertility, ensuring successful food production for future generations. 

Impact of Flooding in South Sudan

The country has faced severe floods for consecutive years since 2018, now leaving approximately 70% of the country covered in water. This destroys homes, farmland, schools and health centers and washes away roads, making transportation and importation incredibly difficult. Due to heavy periods of rainfall, flooding disperses and does not permeate the already saturated soil, making large portions of land inaccessible. This increases displacement as communities lose their homes, farmland and livestock. In turn, this increases the number of individuals requiring food, shelter, clean water and medical aid, increasing Oxfam initiatives throughout the entire country. 

Canoe Vouchers

A town in South Sudan that has been especially welcoming to refugees, Nyal, has become home to many individuals searching for food and shelter. Through support from Oxfam and Irish Aid, the community offers canoe transportation to and from Nyal based on a free voucher system to help displaced individuals access food and medical care. Traveling by foot is considered unsafe for women, making canoe transportation the more efficient and protected route, taking about three days to cross the swamps. This program also provides jobs for community members, allowing both men and women to establish a stable income to support their families for the first time since 2013. 

Supporting Women

Oxfam is specifically addressing issues of under-reported instances of sexual violence against women in South Sudan. In heightened periods of conflict, sexual exploitation is used as a war tool and is often overlooked regarding the outcomes of war. Oxfam is creating safe spaces to offer medical aid and educate women about their rights. Women are encouraged to find a sense of community among each other and to feel empowered to ensure their rights are not violated. 

At the Jamam camp located in the Upper Nile region, Oxfam conducted research to ensure safe and clean access to water collection points and lavatory facilities. A survey revealed that more than 10% of women felt there was not enough privacy in public restrooms, Oxfam increased separation and staffing, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of these women. Prioritizing privacy as well as sanitation also helps prevent the spread of diseases. Staff is constantly reviewing feedback and comments from community members on how these resources can be improved. 

Overall Impact in South Sudan

These ongoing efforts increase community resilience, improve health and reduce poverty. Oxfam is critical in on-ground relief for refugees and struggling communities in Sudan and regions across southern Africa. Oxfam supports more than 500,000 individuals in these areas with long-term and emergency care. It is actively working to provide access to clean water and sanitation for 90,000 people in South Sudan and is working to reach a goal of $7 million to expand its reach to aid 400,000 people. The organization has been incredibly successful in addressing health concerns and rising poverty levels through life-saving initiatives with Oxfam in South Sudan. These major efforts providing health aid to those displaced have been incredibly beneficial to families looking to reestablish their communities and stability in uncertain times.

– Lauren Sellman

Lauren is based in Rochester Hills, MI, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr