German NGO Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has officially handed over five nutrition and WASH facilities to the Torit County authorities in a significant step towards improving child and maternal health in Eastern Equatoria State.
The facilities are part of broader efforts to tackle acute malnutrition and improve access to nutrition services for vulnerable populations in South Sudan.
WHH Country Director Ania Okinczyc commended the successful transition of the facilities to local authorities, highlighting the significance of empowering communities and reinforcing health systems.
“The handover of these five nutrition and WASH facilities to the local authorities in Torit County is more than an investment in infrastructure—it is an investment in lives, dignity, and community resilience. We believe that lasting change begins at the community level. That is why these facilities have been designed and equipped to be fully functional and sustainable within the local health system,” said Okinczyc.
The handover, Okinczyc went on, is more than just a ceremonial event; it marks the transfer of fully functional facilities into the hands of the local health authorities and communities.
The facilities are strategically located across three payams of Imurok, Kudo and Lowoi to ensure community-level access.
An estimate of over 20,000 people are expected to directly benefit from the upgraded and constructed facilities. They are now equipped to deliver treatment for severe and moderate acute malnutrition, nutrition education, and follow-up services for children under five and pregnant and lactating women.
Each constructed or rehabilitated facility is equipped with medical equipment including beddings and drip stands for the Stabilization Center (SC), which is a specialized unit where children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are admitted. In addition, there is a nutrition store at Kudo PHCC and Waiting area in Lofiri PHCU plus basic WASH facilities (washroom blocks with latrines). Child-friendly space items have also been provided to support the protection and development of children in safe, structured environments.
A project participant and a Nutrition In-charge at the Torit State Hospital, Rehema Roman Doka better known as Mama Rehema applauded WHH, saying the support will address WASH and nutrition gaps.
“My thanks go to WHH for what they have done for us. We did not have enough beds. Most were old, broken or damaged yet we receive six to seven children brought in by their mothers. With the weather here, we needed enough blankets and sheets which were provided and helped us cover our gap, and for that, we are thankful.”
Torit County acting medical director Oboy Joseph Odong decried congestion in PHCCs and nutrition facilities across the county.
He urged the government and health partners to cooperate in extending services to the grassroots, saying most health facilities there lacked support
“What they did is a legacy and I wish you all to have that same level of cooperation because you have created for us a very big extension in all our health facilities,” he said.
Eastern Equatoria State Director for Primary Health Care Centers Dr Amin Gordiano applauded WHH and advised partners supporting with health facilities to continue to engage with the local authorities to ensure accountability throughout the project phases.