The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) South Sudan country office held an open house, showcasing achievements and the significant impact of its interventions to partners, donors and other stakeholders in maternal health, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, family planning, youth development, population, data, and humanitarian response. The open house exhibition aimed to foster collaboration and raise awareness among partners, donors, and stakeholders about critical issues that would promote sustainable development in South Sudan.
The Chairperson of South Sudan National Bureau of Statistics, Augustino Ting Mayai, commended the support provided by UNFPA.
The tremendous work of UNFPA has been crucial in ensuring dignity, safety and wellbeing of our women, girls and other vulnerable groups. UNFPA’s dedication of resources to improve the country’s statistical system which will in turn enable the leadership to make informed policies, governance, planning and service delivery is commendable.” said Mayai on at the Open House
Mayai noted that the effect of conflict, climatic shocks and humanitarian crisis have deeply impacted communities, adding that UNFPA support is incredibly desired to provide critical humanitarian response to addressing the needs of adolescent and youth.
Sarah Masale, UNFPA’s Deputy Representative said the humanitarian interventions have madepositive impacts on young women, adolescents and to the most vulnerable groups across the country.
This exhibition tells stories of women and men whose lives have been impacted by interventions we have supported, stories of resilience, hopes and progress in some of the most challenging context. There is still much more to be done to protect and promote women and girls’ rights and attain development aspirations of South Sudan.” said Sarah Masale
Michael Rymek, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada in South Sudan, said that they will continue supporting improvement of the quality and accessibility of health services for the most vulnerable with particular focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Canada partnered over a decade ago with UNFPA in South Sudan to support positive health outcomes for women and girls, their families, their communities and especially in strengthening midwifery services, said Rymek.
Christine Fossen, the UN Police Commissioner said they are working to protect the voiceless, children and women, adding that they are also working to support everyone to have their rights in place. She underscored the importance of protecting and acknowledged UNFPA’s efforts in humanitarian and development settings that has been transformative in hard-hit communities.
UNFPA tireless efforts have brought hopes to so many especially the most vulnerable ones, ensuring that women and girls are empowered to make decisions about their body and about their future.
As South Sudan continues to navigate its challenges, UNFPA remains dedicated to empowering women and girls, significantly improving maternal health services, and promoting gender equality through its strategic interventions. The open house event was a step forward in rallying support and collaboration to advance these crucial initiatives in the nation.
