Juba, South Sudan. 25 October 2014. - To commemorate UN day and in service to the community, WHO joined other UN agencies to provide integrated health services to the community in Kapuri, Juba, Central Equatoria State.  Although UN day falls on 24 October, WHO employees, alongside the rest of the UN family, contributed their time and expertise on Saturday 25 October to “serve the community we work in.”

This was in line with the local theme chosen by UN agencies working in South Sudan for this year’s UN Day: ‘UN! With the people, for the people.’

Activities by WHO included immunising children under-5 years, malaria testing and treatment, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) screening, Tetanus toxoid (TT) injections for women of child bearing age, distribution of long-lasting insecticide treated bed nets (LLITN) and dissemination of information about Ebola prevention and basic hygiene. 

Eight teams comprised of two people each conducted the vaccinations. Anticipating that not all community members would make it to the main venue of the event which was Kapuri Primary School, vaccination teams reached into the community and vaccinated people at Kabu, Lokonyo and Rumbor villages.

Altogether 1,240 children were immunised against measles and polio, 600 children received Vitamin A supplementation and 700 got deworming tablets. A total of 1,145 women received the TT injection. Eighteen people – three women and 15 children - were tested for malaria, of whom seven – two women and five children - tested positive and received immediate treatment. Households received LLITNs for every child or adult vaccinated. In addition, all women, children and other community members received T-shirts and caps. About 500 flyers on Ebola prevention were disseminated within the community and at the WHO Information Desk.

Other partners that offered services in the integrated clinic were UNFPA, UNICEF and UNAIDS.

01. A child receives an injection as part of the package offered by WHO to mark UN Day.

02. At the WHO Information Desk, community members learnt about the organisation’s work, received literature about various diseases and interacted with WHO staff.  

03. Community members who tested positive for malaria received the appropriate treatment. Here, a doctor from WHO explains how to take the medication to a patient.

04. Families whose children were immunised also received LLINs to protect themselves from malaria. 

05. Members of the military learnt about Ebola through some of the materials distributed by WHO at the event.

06. Some of the WHO employees and the immunisation team, with children who benefited from the various services.

07. Uptake of the services offered by WHO was so high, the organisation’s security officer had to control the crowd. 

08. WHO Representative for South Sudan Dr. Abdi Aden Mohamed receives a certificate for WHO's excellent service towards the country, such as the UN Day activities from Minister of Health Dr. Riek Gai Kok (right).

Photo Credits: M. Moyo / M. Gargar