South Sudan Particularly Vulnerable
Following years of conflict, there are countless complex issues affecting South Sudan which make it particularly vulnerable to outbreaks such as Covid-19 – a lack of qualified health professionals, threadbare health infrastructure and a limited public health system to name a few. There are also a number of ongoing issues which exacerbate the nation’s susceptibility – water scarcity, a lack of sanitation solutions, food insecurity. Malnutrition and pre-existing conditions are rife, meaning that children and young people may be more affected by the novel coronavirus than in high-income countries.
Resources from Abroad
With current travel restrictions, formulating a practical response is challenging. Drs Anil and Shalini Cherian, who run the Jonglei Health Sciences Institute in Bor, South Sudan, are mobilising their students to spread vital health messages about self-isolation and social distancing, as well as creating make-shift face masks from torn bed sheets. AID is supporting them by following up contact with some Personal Protective Equipment suppliers who may be able to ship a consignment to South Sudan. Please pray for the logistics of this venture, that the equipment would reach South Sudan successfully and promptly.
Collaboration with Barnabas Fund and Other Organisations
AID has also joined with other Christian organisations under the banner of the Barnabas Coronavirus Emergency Network, led by the Barnabas Fund. This initiative has been set up in recent weeks as an immediate response to the pandemic, to share resources and expertise and focus on meeting the needs of vulnerable Christians across the world, including in South Sudan.
