08 Jul 2020
Things are increasingly difficult for our less fortunate friends in South Sudan lately. It has been been recognized among countries most at risk of what the UN World Food Programme (WFP) calls a “hunger pandemic”. Hunger and malnutrition in the country are at the most extreme levels since 2011, with almost 60% of the population struggling to find food every day. To add to this swarms of locusts which had destroyed crops across East Africa arrived in South Sudan earlier this year. They have also seen an increase in clan fights and revenge attacks, an increase in malaria, rains have been late and people are still struggling to plant .
And then of course to top all that they also have to deal with the dreaded Coronavirus.
As of today 7th July 2020, South Sudan has confirmed 2,021 cases, 333 recoveries and 38 deaths from the coronavirus . However in Loreto Rumbeck our companions Sr Orla Treacy, and the Loreto Sisters have informed us that Itās hard to know the real reality of Coronavirus, as they have only one official testing centre in the country a population of over 12 million. Tests sent from Rumbek can take up to two weeks, and meanwhile it seems that individuals are quarantined in their homes but their homes are small and basic and often can accommodate up to five people so social distancing at home isnāt very possible.
“On the more hopeful side of things we have a new Governor, we expect appointments for the State Ministers to be within this month.”
Another hopeful sign for them Ā has been the rise of children under 5 being treated in the their clinic, in Rumbeck as they now represent 25% of overall patients. Unfortunately children are the most vulnerable in the community.
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- Loreto primary health care nurses on Loreto radio discussing the problems young women face in South Sudan.
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- New water facilities bought from donations received
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- Loreto Rumbeck schools practicing social distancing.
Photos courtesy of Loreto Schools Rumbeck on Facebook
During the month of June they have expanded as much as possible their knowledge of Covid-19, social distancing and health education in the clinic while also enjoying more personal protective equipment.
Sr Petra has been supporting the staff with psycho-social support, this has been appreciated by all. “Meanwhile our block makers are helping to keep the goats away from the crops while our resident staff are all having a chance to improve their cooking skills!”
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart areĀ always proud to support the wonderful work done by the Loreto Sisters for the young women of South Sudan.
For more photographs and further information about Loreto Rumbek, visit theirĀ websiteĀ or visit theirĀ Facebook page.
You can alsoĀ find out more about how MSC Missions work with Loreto RumbekĀ – and how you can help toĀ make a differenceĀ to the young women of South Sudan.