Attachments
Summary:
The internal conflict that started in the capital city of Juba in South Sudan on 15 December 2013 rapidly spread to other parts of the country. The conflict created long term humanitarian consequences for the affected population, including large displacement in South Sudan and in neighbouring countries (Uganda,
Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya). Despite ongoing negotiations and a recent commitment to peace, the situation remains tense and unpredictable, in particular in the Jonglei, Unity, and Upper Nile states. According to OCHA as of 8 January 2015 approximately 1.5 million people remain displaced: 1.1 million internally and over 434,000 in neighbouring countries.
The plight of displaced people worsened when a cholera outbreak in May, 2014 resulted in 6,141 cases and 139 deaths reported. Thanks to a large and concerted national and international response, the epidemic was successfully brought under control (WHO1 ).
Since its launch in early January, 2014, the emergency operation has supported South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) to respond to the vulnerabilities of the displaced. Volunteers have provided first aid and emergency health care to affected populations. With the support of ICRC, IFRC and PNSs in-country, SSRC managed water distribution and hygiene promotion activities at UNMISS camp at Tongping in Juba where about 27,000 people were seeking shelter and protection until December 2014 when the camp was closed and they were relocated to UN House PoC3. A total of 2,000 households in Central Equatoria state, 1,950 households in Jonglei state and 3,000 households Greater Mundri in Western Equatoria state were assisted with NFI kits. SSRC volunteers were trained in needs assessments, relief distributions, health and hygiene promotion.
The original plan of action and budget was revised in July 2014 primarily to accommodate a number of cholera outbreak-related activities. A cholera taskforce led by SSRC and supported by Movement partners was established to support SSRC response. At national level, SSRC was also invited to be part of a national taskforce for cholera response led by the Ministry of Health, along with WHO, UNICEF, and INGOs MEDAIR OXFAM etc. South Sudan Red Cross was tasked with social mobilization support at Gudele, Mauna, Lologo, and Kator. At the request from the taskforce, SSRC actions were later extended to Gumbo in Juba County.
The July revision also reflected the evolving priorities for SSRC support to the displaced. Unfortunately, due to increasing demand on nascent SSRC capacities, some activities and achievement of some targets have been delayed. Other planned activities have had to be cancelled due to incomplete funding. Additionally, planned improvements to expenditure coding and to the monitoring framework will impact the quality and accountability of the operation. This appeal and operation is hereby extended on a ‘no cost’ basis until 31 July, 2015 to enable continuation of activities (particularly shelter and WatSan) as well as planned improvements, drawing on available balances.
The attached financial statement covers the first 11 months of the operation. Currently, a third of the the appeal needs have been covered, thanks to generous contributions from Finnish, Japanese , Norwegian,
Monaco, Swedish, Taiwan, Canadian, Netherlands and Chinese (Hong Kong branch) Red Cross Societies. IFRC thanks these partners and underscores the ongoing need to support the South Sudanese displaced populations with the full range of activities outlined in the appeal.
In keeping with IFRC reporting obligations, a 12 month progress report will be produced in the coming weeks. Assessment of the evolving conditions and needs of target populations is ongoing, and it is likely that the EPoA will undergo a final revision to reflect the updated priorities of the National Society.