BRAC health care for 30,000 people in S. Sudan

Southern Sudan is acknowledged to have some of the worst health indicators in the world. The under-five infant mortality rate is 112 per 1,000, while maternal mortality is the highest and most dangerous in the world, at 2,053.9 per 100,000 live births. The people of southern Sudan must overcome significant health challenges as the country recovers from decades of civil war and addresses underdevelopment.

However, having just returned from the field, Program Manager Manisha Bhinge reports that the team is meeting obstacles with enthusiasm and energy. BRAC Southern Sudan’s Essential Health Care program that was launched in 2008 now has a cadre of 180 Community Health Promoters trained to deliver health services in reproductive health, malaria control, TB control, HIV/AIDS prevention, community health and hygiene, and basic curative care for common illnesses. These women visit over 20,000 households, reaching a population of over 136,200. They focus on promoting family planning, preventative practices, knowledge around common ailments and key diseases including malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. They persevere in the most extreme circumstances to reach out to Southern Sudan's population and help communities to overcome healthcare challenges.

Thanks to all those who continue to support these women in their mission to improve the health situation in Southern Sudan!

Even compared to other African nations in the region, Southern Sudan’s health indicators are especially low – 1 out of 8 children do not make it to the age of five, and only 10% of child deliveries are attended by health personnel. We are trying, bit by bit, to improve conditions.

Since our last update, the Community Health Promoters have been busily visiting households, about 150 each every month. The Promoterss are trained to deliver health services in reproductive health, malaria control, TB control, HIV/AIDS prevention, community health and hygiene, and basic curative care for common illnesses. These incredible women also work to place special emphasis on educating other poor women on family planning methods.

All of our Health Promoters are supplied with essential medical products to sell at subsidized costs to members of the communities who need it. However, in order to keep supplying them with these items, we need your help!

Thank you to all who have supported us in this endeavor thus far – our attempts to bring healthcare into the far corners of a dark country have made a difference to those we have reached - about 30,000 people every month!

Please continue to support us and our Health Promoters in working to provide pathways out of the poverty that has run Southern Sudan for decades.