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Bringing health to remote areas with mobile clinics to combat malnutrition and common diseases.
Rome, 21 September 2023 - Fighting malnutrition and access to health services: this is the aim of the project 'E = mc²' ('Everywhere = mobile clinics, mobile care') which aims to improve the living conditions and health of the most vulnerable communities in the counties of Tonj South and Tonj East, Warrap State, South Sudan.
In the rural areas of South Sudan, where the population is almost completely cut off from health care, the situation is extremely critical: recent data show that more than 91,000 people, including pregnant women and children under five, suffer from acute malnutrition with a significant impact on maternal and child mortality and morbidity. More than two-thirds of the population (243,000 out of a total of 304,000) are in need of primary health care, and only a low percentage of pregnant women receive comprehensive antenatal visits and have limited access to skilled care during childbirth.
In order to facilitate access to care for those who need it most, the project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and in line with the priorities in the Emergency sector, intends to act on the decentralisation of health services by bringing them to the most remote communities far from health centres through the setting up of mobile clinics equipped with medical materials, medicines and medical equipment.
"In 2023, AICS *funded projects in South Sudan to the tune of EUR 7 million at a time when international donors are drastically reducing funding in the country. In a context where people in need of humanitarian aid are constantly increasing, our priorities are focused on food security and health.
This is why Amref's project is perfectly in line with our objectives," says Simone Cerqui, Emergency Projects Coordinator in South Sudan for AICS Addis Ababa.
Four mobile clinics for nutrition are already in operation, providing essential services including treatment of common diseases such as diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia, antenatal visits for pregnant women and other health services. In addition, a dedicated ambulance was purchased for the transfer of obstetric-neonatal emergencies, for faster access to the medical services the population needs.
"The project has been warmly welcomed because it responds to the needs of people living in underserved areas. Working in these parts of the country takes great courage and a sense of responsibility," comments Deng Simon, Amref Project Manager. "Successfully providing health services to remote communities is essential, in the hope that soon the roads will be more accessible, the services more widespread and the population healthier”.
In July 2023, an important meeting was held with representatives of local institutions to ensure full collaboration and success of this crucial project. A joint team from Tonj, composed of two Amref staff members and the health directors of Tonj East and Tonj South counties, met with the Ministry of Health team, which included Minister Dr. Barach, Director General Akol Akol, Director of Primary Health Care Deng Awan and Director of Administration and Finance Mr. Ngor.
Following this meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the local institutions and stakeholders involved in the project, underlining the importance of collaboration and joint efforts to improve the health and well-being of the Tonj South and Tonj East communities.
Contacts Daria Terenzio, Press Office Assistant Amref Italia - daria.terenzio@amref.it Chiara Ciampa, Communications Officer Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - chiara.ciampa.ext@aics.gov.it Fabio Bellumore, Press Office Specialist Amref Italia - fabio.bellumore@amref.it