Aiming to contain an outbreak of measles in Upper Nile State, a campaign to vaccinate thousands of children kicked off today in the state capital Malakal.

The campaign, targeting over 30,000 children between six months and five years of age, is being conducted by the national Ministry of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

“This vaccination campaign is partial (and) targets only children inside Malakal town,” said Paul Okech, director for the immunization campaign. “The intervention came as a result of (the) national Ministry of Health response to (an) outbreak of measles in Malakal recently.”

The Ministry of Health announced the measles outbreak in Malakal County in a press release issued on 1 October.

“This announcement follows reports of 44 suspected cases of measles reported from Malakal Teaching Hospital since August 2013,” said the statement, which was signed by Dr. Othwonh Thabo, Acting Director of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in the ministry.

“Ten out of the 15 samples collected from patients tested positive for measles,” he added. “Those affected are aged between six to 18 months and continue receiving treatment at Malakal Teaching Hospital.”

In addition to the immunization campaign, the ministry had reactivated a national and state measles taskforce to coordinate intervention response and increased surveillance at facility and community levels, Dr. Thabo said.

In a report covering the first week of October, WHO reported a total of 21 suspected cases of measles across the country, “with no related death”.

“The overall incidence decreased from (the previous) week,” the report said. “The suspected cases were reported from Upper Nile, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Equatoria.”

17 October 2013 - A Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) Commander in Pinyikango County, Upper Nile State, today pledged to sign punitive order documents that there would be no more children used under his area of command.

Brig. Gen. Michael Wal was speaking at the end of a five-day workshop held at the brigade’s headquarters in Dolleb Hill Payam (district), as part of continuing efforts to enforce a zero tolerance policy for children in the national army’s ranks.

The workshop, conducted by child protection units from the army and UNMISS, was one of a series of like events across the country to help implement an order signed by SPLA Chief of General Staff James Hoth Mai on 14 August.

The order prohibited recruiting or using children in the army for any purpose and from occupying schools or using their property under any circumstances. Any SPLA member found in violation of the order would face punitive action, the order said.

Participants discussed how the SPLA came to be on the UN Secretary-General’s “List of Shame”, which names all armed groups and forces who recruit and use children, kill and maim, commit sexual violence or attack schools and hospitals in conflict zones. They also talked about what SPLA could do to be removed from the list.

“This time (series of workshops) we should target (sensitize) the barracks outside the headquarters of Division One for the sake of eliminating child soldiers,” said UNMISS Child Protection Officer Timothy Tut.

The workshop also covered topics like the Revised Action Plan signed between the government and UN in March 2012, SPLA rules of engagement and the SPLA code of conduct for child protection.

“There are a lot of things that I have benefited from which I did not know,” said Captain Daginy Dong Kur, a participant. “… I received (a lot of) information that I can give to others in areas where UNMISS (and the army) have not reached.”

17 October 2013 - Calling for new laws protecting girls’ rights, Unity State Ministry of Education in collaboration with UNICEF held an International Day of the Girl Child celebration today in the capital Bentiu.

Speaking during the event (traditionally celebrated on 11 October), state Education Technical Advisor Wiyai Dak said South Sudan could not be built without girls’ participation, stressing the need to educate them so that they could participate effectively.

“The State Government will soon introduce news laws that will protect girls,” Mr. Dak said. “Now we have the Child Act and we must implement this law. If you (marry) … a girl under age, you will be questioned on this.”

Unity Inspector for Girls Education Grace Dalat said girls should be allowed to go to school like boys, as nation building was a collective responsibility.

“Girls are part of society, why do we discriminate (against) them?” Ms. Dalat asked. “They have the same rights as boys.”

Maria Nyajime Ruai, a 17-year-old student at Bentiu Secondary School, called on the state and national governments to enact laws protecting girls from harmful practices in the community.

“I am appealing to the state government and national Government to urgently make laws that can protect us … from harmful practices such as early and forced marriages and … that can clearly define our roles at home,” Ms. Ruai said.

Last month, Unity State’s Ministry of Education in partnership with Windle Trust International, launched a five-year girls’ education programme to support girls in school financially.

17 October 2013 - To boost awareness of human rights among customary leaders, UNMISS held a workshop in partnership with the Upper Nile government for 35 traditional chiefs today in the capital Malakal.

The training, organized by the mission in collaboration with the state Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement, focused on the role traditional chiefs could play in advocating for human rights while implementing customary laws.

“As leaders of your people, (it is your duty to) help shape (a) future … that is not mired in conflict, but opens opportunities for people,” said UNMISS State Coordinator Deborah Schein.

“The challenge is to define a new future based on principles of human rights and those aspects of traditional culture that help define you as a people and allow you to live in peace and harmony with your neighbors,” she added.

In addition to topics like the rights of individuals to life and free movement, participants also discussed how to promote peaceful co-existence among their communities.

“It is good for us as community leaders to advocate for peace and security,” said Nuer Chief Jacob Pur Malow. “This is the path to our stability as a nation.”

Peaceful co-existence was vital for South Sudan’s progress and development, said Akon Mony Jock, a participant from the Dinka community.

18 October 2013 - The Justice and Peace Commission and UNMISS began a three-day training today for over 40 “peace promoters” in Rubkona County, Unity State.

Aimed at teaching participants their roles and how to work with the community, the activity is focusing on peace building, human rights and the justice system in South Sudan.

“It is important for them to understand … the importance of peace,” said Father Joseph Makuei of Rubkona Catholic Church.

“When there are human rights violations there is no peace … (and) when there is no justice system … there is no also peace,” he said.

Participant Peter Gatjal stressed the need to create a positive attitude in the community.

“After this training, we are going to work with the community by educating them on the importance of peace,” he said. “Peace is equal to development and … conflict is equal to underdevelopment.”

19 October 2013 - Some 25 customary chiefs from Aweil, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State (NBEG), concluded a two-day workshop today on basic human rights and court jurisdiction.

Participants of the training, which was organized by UNMISS, said they could redraw the boundary between customary (non-criminal cases) and statutory courts based on knowledge they had gained.

“We will handle cases only under our jurisdiction,” said Deng Akot Aruu, executive chief of Maper Akot Court. “We will not deal with cases of murder or other serious criminal offences.”

David Dhieu, deputy chief of Hai Toch Court, said criminal offenses like rape of underage girls was prevalent in his area, but access to statutory courts was limited.

“There are no judges to handle criminal offences in our area and this is a serious challenge,” said Mr. Dhieu.

Opening the workshop yesterday, state Governor Paul Malong Awan urged participants to use what they learned. “Listen carefully … how to respect human rights, respect of each and every individual right,” he said. “Do not leave it here, take it and let people see you practicing what you gained.”

Participants asked UNMISS to organize similar trainings so they could provide better services to communities.

UNMISS State Coordinator Seth Kumi told trainees the mission would assist in government capacity building efforts at all levels.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemns the deadly attacks that were perpetrated against civilians on Sunday, 20 October, in Twic East County, Jonglei State. The attacks resulted in high numbers of killed and wounded. One attack was on Paliau cattle camp in Ajong Payam, and the other was in Maar cattle camp, Pakeer Payam, with subsequent attacks in a couple of other locations.

As soon as the fighting had stopped yesterday, the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flew health partners to the attacked areas to evacuate casualties. By the end of the day, UNHAS had evacuated a total of 31 seriously injured civilians to Bor and Juba. They also reported more wounded civilians remaining in the area and this morning UNHAS dispatched a helicopter to continue the medical evacuations.

Hailing youth as South Sudan’s future, UNMISS Mongolian peacekeepers handed over a renovated primary school today at a ceremony in Rubkona County, Unity State.

UNMISS Mongolian Commanding Officer Colonel Tumendemberel told the gathering that his people had chosen projects related to education and children, as they were future presidents, parliamentarians and governors.

One student, 15-year-old Salva Wek Kuiel, shared those sentiments, stating that he wished to be a future leader produced by the school. “After completing my studies I will become the governor so that I will promote good governance in the state.”

Many students, however, said they would like to become doctors. “I want to become a medical doctor when I complete my education because I will treat sick people in my community,” said 15-year-old Nyaruai Khor Meat.

The Mongolians renovated nine classrooms and constructed three new ones for the 1,534 students of the school. They restored desks and benches, leveled and paved the courtyard and installed electric wiring and lights in all classrooms.

In a project that cost about $50,000, the battalion also repaired the fence and gates and beautified the school compound with paintings and flower beds.

Teacher Ayik Machar said the renovation contributed to building trust between the peacekeepers and community. “This is very nice, (and) the school looks like new.”

Also speaking during the handover ceremony, UNMISS Chief of Staff Paul Egunsola said the mission was committed to promoting education in South Sudan. “Education is very important for the life of individuals, community and the nation.”

Earlier this year Mongolian peacekeepers renovated a school in Pariang County.

To assist stranded, flood-affected victims in Warrap State, UNMISS sent a helicopter today with medical and other supplies to several state counties.

The helicopter transported a total of 5,100 kilograms of medicines, mosquito nets, soap and hygiene kits to three locations -- Akoc, Maria Lou and Romich in Twic, Tonj North and Tonj East counties, respectively -- in a four-hour operation.

“The three locations … are inaccessible by road, and this assistance will greatly alleviate the severe conditions that people are experiencing,” Warrap Acting and Deputy Governor Akech Aleu Akec said during a take-off ceremony at Kuajok airstrip.

Flooding in the state’s six counties since August has made most roads impassable. It has also led to increased cases of malaria, respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases.

As many areas had become severely short of drugs and other essential items, the national government, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), donated medical supplies to the state Ministry of Health in the capital Kuajok.

State Minster of Health Solomom Anguei Mayuot said at the airstrip ceremony that UNMISS’ support in transporting the materials would save lives. “UNMISS and the other partners have supported us to cater for our people in flooded areas who are been suffering from … malaria, diarrhoea and other diseases.”

According to UNMISS State Coordinator Abraham Onifade, excellent coordination among all stakeholders made the airlift possible. “This airlifting operation demonstrates the UN delivering as one to support government authorities, flood victims and vulnerable communities.”

27 October 2013 - UN Volunteers in Western Bahr El-Ghazal State donated a solar system and fridge in a ceremony today at the children’s ward of Wau Teaching Hospital.

The equipment, worth about $3,500, was part of a one-year programme initiated last year on UNV Day (17 December). The programme began with a marathon, in which runners paid whatever registration fees they could afford.

The UNVs then agreed to donate the fees to the children’s ward for a solar panel to keep 24-hour power in the ward and a (solar) refrigerator for medicine.

“There are more solar systems coming from Uganda in the next five to six weeks for the completion for this project, to provide light for the whole ward,” said UNV Dr. Aswila Asood.

Speaking at the hospital ceremony, Dr. Edmond Sebit lauded such collaboration between UNMISS and the Ministry of Health. “By God’s grace this will help this ward. It is one of the most important wards, because these children are much in need of help.”

25 October 2013 - Concluding a two-day workshop on inter-communal conflict, Warrap youth today recommended ways of tackling violence due to cattle-raiding, including education and lower dowries.

Kuajok National Secondary School students opened the UNMISS-organized activity with a drama portraying how cattle-raiding leads to inter-communal violence and other destabilizing effects.

The drama’s core message was that youth should play a vital role in ending conflicts through active participation in peace activities, as they will become future leaders, shapers and nation-builders of the country.

Participants then debated causes, consequences and solutions to cattle-raiding conflict in six groups representing different segments of society. These included the government and State Security Committee, Sudan People’s Liberation Army, South Sudan National Police Service, elders and civil society, youth and UN agencies.

Common causes found by the groups were poverty, revenge attacks, illiteracy, high dowries and insecurity.

Consequences included loss of lives and properties, displacement, instability, exploitation of youth, restriction of movement and insecurity.

Possible solutions the groups offered were enlightenment and peace awareness programmes, promoting peace and stability through dialogue, peace education and sports, inter-community cultural events, religious activities, laws to lower dowries, reduced illiteracy, development programmes and support for rule of law.

In a further discussion about dowries, participants focused on the need to lower or alter the “bride price”. “We youths should lead awareness in our communities on how to reduce dowry and promote education,” said participant Maria Anthony. “As educated youths, we can inform our parents and uncles of the problems associated with inter-communal conflict such as cattle raiding.”

Another participant stressed the need for national laws capping the amount and type of dowry paid. “Free marriage or cash should be accepted in lieu of cows for dowry.”

Minister for Social Affairs Victoria Tito said, “Youth of Warrap must change their attitude about revenge attacks -- the common belief that seeking peaceful negotiations is a sign of defeat and weakness -- and educating girls by parents should be taken seriously.”

The recommendations from youth on inter-communal conflict were to be shared with the government and State Legislative Assembly.

22 October 2013 - UNMISS and UN agencies in Bentiu held two health education meetings today in Rubkona Care Clinic and the hospital in Bentiu, Unity State, as a run-up to UN Day on 24 October.

The UN team worked with two local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) -- South Sudan Trust Rehabilitation and Development Organization and Youth Action against Illiteracy – to organize 20 social mobilisers (local residents who normally assist NGOs as volunteers).

The mobilisers were trained by State Ministry of Health experts on prevention and treatment of malaria and diarrhoea as well as the benefits of blood transfusions and immunization.

The trained participants then spoke about these four major health problems with patients awaiting treatment at the Care Clinic (run by the international NGO Care) in Rubkona (18 October) and Bentiu Hospital (22 October). Most of the more than 200 patients in both clinics were expectant mothers and women with children.

One of the recipients, Nyakuoth Simon, said, “Even though I can’t read, I understand now how important it is to keep the immunization card safe. The doctor will know everything from it even if I don’t understand.”

Social mobiliser Rebecca Nyedei, who delivered messages about prevention and treatment of malaria, said the knowledge she received would be useful for her own family as well.

Ms. Nyedei, who normally works as a volunteer with the South Sudan Trust Rehabilitation and Development Organization, said she would also talk to her neighbors and relatives about protecting their families, especially children.

All participating patients received a bar of soap to reinforce the need for hand washing. But the real challenge is obtaining mosquito nets, which cost around 25 South Sudanese pounds (about $6.00) each at the local market in Bentiu -- a big expense when a family needs several nets.

UNMISS and the National DDR Commission handed over a new health centre and school today to the Tirrangore community in Eastern Equatoria State.

The facilities, worth more than $250,000, were funded by UNMISS through its Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration section projects.

The Chairman of the National DDR Commission, William Deng Deng, described the project as first of its kind. He said it was a significant boost to a community that had been shattered by war.

“One way we can pay back the communities is to give them facilities like these -- schools, health centres and … police stations,” the DDR chairman said.

Acting head of UNMISS DDR section Mustpaha Tejan-Kellah said the two buildings would enhance service delivery to the community. The project was also a way of encouraging the community to embrace and welcome ex-combatants back into society.

“We’re … looking at providing … services to the communities that these ex-combatants will be reintegrated into, so that there’ll be no resentment between the communities and the ex-combatants,” he said.

Tirrangore Boma (area) chief Faisal Alphonse said he was delighted his community could now boast a furnished school and health facilities. The new services would go a long way in dealing with problems related to education and healthcare in his community.

25 October 2013 -- The UNMISS office in Western Bahr el Ghazal state today delivered food and clothing items with an estimated value of 25,000 South Sudanese pounds to the Agok Leprosy Centre southeast of the state capital of Wau.

The donation capped a series of activities intended to commemorate United Nations Day, which is observed on 24 October. The donated items included sugar, beans, flour and cooking oil as well as garments and footwear.

Among the contributors were national and international civilian staff members of the Mission, peacekeeping troops from the Kenyan and Mongolian Battalions and members of the Chinese Medical and Engineering military units.

“The little donations we brought are not enough,” said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Usman Dogar, who is also serving as the Mission’s acting state coordinator for Western Bahr El-Ghazal. “(But) this donation exercise keeps us in touch with you here in Agok.”

Mr. Dogar promised that UNMISS would do more in the future to help the 362 patients living at the leprosy centre, which was founded in the 1960s.

The director of the facility thanked UNMISS and described the quantities of gifts as unprecedented in the history of the center.

“This isn’t a small donation, rather it is a big donation,” said Mr. Thomas Aleu. “I want to assure you that these donations will be distributed equally to all lepers in our centre.”

4 November 2014 - Sixty senior officers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) visited UNMISS headquarters in Juba today to learn about the mission’s role.

The officers, who were all commanders of army divisions from all 10 states of South Sudan, were briefed by Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Raisedon Zenenga during a forum which was attended by UNMISS Force Commander Johnson Delali Sakyi and other heads of UNMISS sections.

“We are privileged to have SPLA leadership hearing directly from us on key elements of our mandate and the challenges faced in implementing it,” said Mr. Zenenga.

He explained that protecting civilians was not only a physical role, but included early warning to deter attacks, dynamic air patrols and advocacy with community leaders.

SPLA officers raised concerns about the difficulty both the army and mission faced in protecting civilians in hard-to-reach areas, with no proper roads and limited aircraft resources.

Mr. Zenenga said UNMISS had several engineering contingents in all regions of the country who were assisting to build key roads, despite limited resources.

“The challenge is that our teams can only help in developing infrastructure in areas which are not insecure,” he said. “We need to work together with the government to improve security in other areas so that the engineering companies can do some work in those areas also.”

Closing the discussion, the DSRSG in charge of humanitarian and development affairs, Toby Lanzer, said UNMISS’ role in peace building was aimed at creating an environment that would enable development to take place.

“We want to reach out to all leadership in all states to help build South Sudan to become a nation able to protect its own people, as well as to create an environment that permits development,” he said.

1 November 2013 - Some 50 ex-soldiers in Rumbek, Lakes State, received “toolkits” today of materials they needed to begin new lives as farmers, auto mechanics, carpenters or masons.

The distribution was carried out by the state Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission and monitored by UNMISS DDR section.

The kits contained materials like mechanics tools, ox-ploughs, seeds, hoes, wheel barrows, axes, watering cans and pangas.

Marial Madol of Rumbek Central County, who left the army due to a disability, said he had chosen agriculture because he thought it would improve his life. “The best solution is to use my own energy to feed myself, despite being disabled.”

Another former combatant, Maker Roor Ngong of Rumbek East, said he would encourage members of the local community to become self-employed by doing carpentry work.

''I will do carpentry work like making beds, small chairs, tables, cupboards and even doors,” Mr. Ngong said. “If houses … are lacking doors or (they are) damaged … these (will be) my duty.''

Director of Monitoring and Evaluation in the national DDR Commission Rev. Kamillo Loku said recipients of the toolkits, who had graduated from the UN-supported Mapel training facility, could now support development.

“These people are coming from the field as military,” the DDR director said. “They should come and do something … in developing the country.”

Urging communities to welcome ex-combatants, he said toolkits would also be delivered in Greater Yirol, once road conditions improved.

6 November 2013 – The people, army and government must work together for South Sudan to become a stable nation, a senior Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) officer said in Juba today.

“It is only through cooperation that we can chart a better way forward,” said SPLA Deputy Director of Training Brig. Gen. Kual Madut Reech. Only in this way could the country fully achieve the goals of justice, liberty and prosperity set out in its post-independence motto.

Brig. Gen. Reech, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-week peacekeeping operations training workshop for national army officers, said the military was aware of challenges faced by peacekeeping operations, including UNMISS.

“It is in the interest of UNMISS to support stabilization,” he said. “It is also important, however, that UNMISS personnel understand South Sudanese cultures and implement their mandate alongside this understanding.”

Some 30 SPLA officers attended the workshop, which was organized by the UNMISS military. It covered topics like international humanitarian law and rules of engagement, as well as UNMISS-specific issues, including the mission’s mandate, protection of civilians and the Status of Forces Agreement.

“It is the obligation and duty of the state to ensure the rights and protection of its individual citizens,” said Brig. Gen. Reech. “I urge all SPLA officers here to adhere to the principles you have learned.”

He said the SPLA was also determined to become a key player among those providing security in the region, as it continued to make efforts to transform into a professional army.

“Training workshops like these not only build the capacity for our forces, but also help the officers to understand how to meet the challenges of insecurity in South Sudan and the region,” he said. “If we synergize, we can overcome those challenges.”

UNMISS Force Commander Maj. Gen. Johnson Delali Sakyi said the UN and world at large expected the trained officers to use knowledge acquired to make South Sudan a better place to live.

“We want you to be disciples of the essence of Protection of Civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Sakyi. “Remember to impart this knowledge to your colleagues and subordinates.”

8 November 2013 - South Sudan’s first batch of police trained to rid the county of unexploded munitions graduated at Rajaf Police Training Academy near Juba today.

Of 24 police officers who initially attended the eight-week course, 20 were awarded certificates and badges by South Sudan Deputy Minister of Interior Augustino Jaddal and Deputy Inspector General of Police Gen. Andrew Kol.

“They have earned their badges,” said UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Chief Lance Malin, describing the course, conducted by Irish military trainers in collaboration with UNMAS and UN Police, as one that “was not designed to be an easy.”

The training in Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD included various assessments to ensure participants had acquired the necessary knowledge. Participants learned how to safely dispose of unexploded ordinances (UXOs), supervise tasks, produce reports and maintain health and safety in the field.

Mr. Malin handed a special award to Chol Mayomdit, the top student in the group, which was drawn from the Greater Bahr El-Ghazal region’s four states.

“Our main target is safety, safety, safety,” emphasized Mr. Mayomdit, adding that participants would need government support for the group to effectively put its knowledge into practice.

“The Conventional Munitions Disposal Unit will clear unexploded ordinances from South Sudan and innocent people will no longer have to die,” he said.

He lauded the role played by the group’s four Irish military trainers, who were also given UN Service Award badges by Irish Ambassador Aidan O’Hara.

“After decades of war, South Sudan is entering a new and welcome period of stability,” said Mr. O’Hara. “I hope that in due course a total of 78 teams will be trained across the country.”

Gen. Kol said the event marked an important day in South Sudan’s history. Noting that the country had mines laid throughout its territory, he said this was one of the new nation’s greatest challenges.

“Explosives have different effects, including physical harm and emotional trauma and they are an obstacle to economic activity,” said Deputy Minister Jaddal. “Agriculture is one of the bigger (development) pillars in our country and we need to clean our land to embark on it.”

Previously, it was thought that only military officers could be trained in the CMD field, he said. It was important that the police, who he called “friends of the citizens”, were leading the way.

UN Police Commissioner Fred Yiga said the graduation was symbolic of what could be achieved through well coordinated efforts by different partners to build the capacity of South Sudan’s institutions.

8 November 2013 – Prior to taking up posts in Upper Nile refugee camps, South Sudan police today concluded a two-month training conducted by UN Police (UNPOL) in Bunj, Maban County.

The 31 South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers learned about criminal law, women and children’s rights, community policing, local and international law, including refugee legislation, and the justice system.

In a closing ceremony for the training, which was jointly organized by UPOL and the UN Refugee Agency, Upper Nile SSNPS Police Commissioner Maj. Gen Thukul Ayom Deng urged graduates to put into practice what they had learned.

“Police officers should keep high morals in terms of ethics and code of conduct and avoid bad practices,” Maj. Gen. Deng said., “They should respect UN personnel and the communities they serve, and this includes refugees.”

UNPOL State Advisor Allan Sangoroh noted that internal peace in the country was the responsibility of the police. “However, they can only perform their duties effectively if they are well trained and mentored and this is what we have been doing.”

Speaking on behalf of the police, Sgt. Maj. Juma Lago Yoya said they had gained new knowledge.

“We are happy and proud to receive this training, because when we joined the police we did not have this kind of knowledge,” he said. “This course is indeed fruitful and will be well utilized.”

UNMISS Acting State Coordinator Welmoet Wels said UNMISS was committed to improving the capacity of government institutions in South Sudan.

The trained officers will be deployed to five refugee camps in the county currently facing an influx of residents, mainly from Blue Nile State of neighboring Sudan.

11 November 2013- Seeking to assist about 300 households in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State, with improved hygiene and sanitation, UNMISS launched a water filter production project there today.

The project, implemented by the Pan-Aweil Development Agency (PADA) with funding from UNMISS, is one of several Quick Impact Projects UNMISS is supporting in different states of South Sudan.

As part of its activities, UNMISS provides funds for selected communities in South Sudan to support small-scale activities and projects that help consolidate peace through strategic livelihood activities.

According to UNMISS Recovery, Reintegration and Peacekeeping Officer Lauro Ohiyu, Terekeka County experiences major challenges in accessing clean and safe water.

“The majority of the population in the county drink water collected from the river or ponds,” he said. “This leads to water-borne diseases such as guinea worms.”

To assist the population, UNMISS identified water filter projects as essential for the county.

Last week, PADA completed training of 28 youths in the production of bio-sand water filters, which will be made locally in the county. Once production is completed, the filters will be distributed among targeted households.