To dispel myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and raise public awareness, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with Lakes state’s HIV/AIDS Commission facilitated a 10-day ‘Change Agent’ training.

Some 26 participants, mainly women, drawn from various institutions including hospitals, took part.

Peer education, HIV prevention strategies, including safe sex practices and understanding condom use were some key training aspects.

Vitally, sessions touched upon how stigmatization and discrimination can hinder the lives of people living with the disease.

Atet Manuella, a participant, said that the workshop had not only equipped her with the knowledge of how to protect herself from the virus, but also how to care for people who may be afflicted with it.

Furthermore, she highlighted the pressing need for widespread awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“It’s our responsibility to trickle down what we have learnt here to our communities so that people who are affected by the disease do not face any stigma and everybody is aware of safe practices that can help protect them from contracting the virus in the first place,” she stated.

For John Malith, another participant, busting myths related to HIV/AIDS is key and, therefore, he pledged to mobilize community elders to pass on accurate information related to prevention at community meetings and similar fora.

Prescilia Arop, Chair of the HIV/AIDs Commission was appreciative of the enthusiastic response by participants and urged pregnant mothers to visit health facilities regularly to avoid transferring the virus to newborns.  

“Regular pre-natal checkups will go a long way in eliminating mother-to-child transmission. Additionally, everyone should get their HIV status checked at a hospital. With the right medications, people with this virus can live a long and fulfilled life,” she commented.  

Stephen Odera, UNMISS’ HIV/AIDs focal point in Rumbek was also impressed with the commitment demonstrated by the new trainees.

“We are hopeful that all participants will carry out awareness campaign in their communities on how HIV is transmitted and what to do if one is infected with the virus. We also expect them to educate the public about prevention measures, whenever possible, he averred.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

As the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, seeks to complete its democratic transition by conducting free, fair and credible elections in December this year, the United Nations is supporting the process.

A recent three-day training facilitated by the UN’s Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) aimed to build capacities among relevant stakeholders in Western Bahr El Ghazal on electoral administration and management.

“I am very happy to have participated in this training because I now have a clear understanding of an electoral process and what it entails to conduct elections,” said Makuac Wek Makuac, a youth representative. “I have also been empowered on the need for widespread civic education and I will pass on my learning to my peers so that we can have peaceful elections,” he added.

Makuac was one of 25 participants drawn from state institutions, civil society organizations, and media partners who were educated on legal frameworks governing elections, gender considerations, disability rights and barriers to equal access during election processes.

Apart from presentations, group discussions enabled the participants to consolidate their voices on the importance of voter education and recommend ways of expanding civic participation.

“It is a fact that women constitute more than half the population of South Sudan,” stated Shidihan Siddig of the Justice and Peace Commission. “It’s, therefore, imperative that we are not left behind when the time comes to vote,” she stressed, while expressing her determination to educate women on the importance of participating in elections.

The training successful galvanized each stakeholder to understand the roles expected of them throughout the electoral cycle.

For Peter Morkobi Gabriel the state human rights advisor, it is critical to ensure that civic and political rights which are fundamental human rights are enjoyed by all.

“This workshop has given us additional knowledge to ensure that any election conducted in South Sudan is inclusive,” declared Peter Morkobi. “Persons with disabilities, women, the elderly, we will see to it that no one is left behind during this process,” he stated.

Despite confirmed delays in the implementation of benchmarks enshrined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, it was an enthusiastic group of participants who went home after the three-day training, confident that come December 2024, the population will go to the polls to choose their leaders.

Mr. Morkobi thinks therefore, that this important training should be extended to other key actors.

“We appreciate the UN for empowering us through this training and hope they will extend it to uniformed personnel so that, they too can understand their role in respecting civil and political space and ensuring peace and security.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Singing, dancing, and openly voicing their gratitude: The women of Yambio have finally seen their long-standing wish for a marketplace fulfilled.

Thanks to a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Quick Impact Project, they now have two brand new buildings suitable for their commercial endeavours.

Cecilia Peter couldn’t contain her joy. A new vegetable market had her celebrating with excitement.

“With this market, we will be able to solve our daily problems,” said Cecilia, a honey and vegetable farmer from the community. She added that the market will help her and many others improve their financial situation by increasing their incomes.

The 50,000 USD project, implemented by the self-help Women Development Organization, will serve as a trading point for the produce of the predominantly farming people of Yambio. It will provide shelter for 40 local women retailers, improve the hygiene of the foodstuffs, and contribute to the health and well-being of the larger community.

Seba William, another businesswoman in Yambio, said the facility would help boost local trade and allow them to preserve goods like tomatoes, okra, cassava, and greens.

“The structure will help us store our harvests, which used to be under the sun and would sometimes dry up and rot. Now our vegetables can be stored in a cool place as we sell them. The money will help us provide for our children’s feeding, school fees, and medical bills,” she added.

An UNMISS Human Rights Officer in Yambio, Lydia Munyiva Muthian, said it is a unique and progressive project aiming to empower local women and enable them to progress alongside men.

“A women’s vegetable market is an exceptional initiative that exemplifies the care of the people of Western Equatoria for their families, girls, and children. UNMISS pledges to continue to support the people of South Sudan to advance human rights, peace, security, and development,” said Lydia.

Almost 90% of residents in Western Equatoria State are involved in subsistence farming and honey production. A good harvest would typically yield a significant surplus of produce, but without a suitable place for households to sell their products. That is, fortunately, no longer the case.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Following the successful outing at the inaugural West African Startups Awards in Niamey, Niger in 2021, the Directorate of Private Sector of the ECOWAS Commission holds preparatory meeting from June 3rd to 5th, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria. This is following the directive of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to hold the Awards Annually.

While welcoming participants on behalf of Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Tony Elumelu, the Ag. Director of Private Sector of the ECOWAS Commission highlighted that the Startup Awards ignites innovation, collaboration, and digital entrepreneurship across the West African Region.

Dr. Elumelu added that “the vision is to create an ecosystem where startups thrive, ideas find fertile ground, and collaboration transcends borders”.

The ECOWAS Commission in partnership with other stakeholders within the framework of promoting digital entrepreneurship in ECOWAS region, organized the 1st West Africa Startups Summit in Niamey, Niger Republic from 18th – 20th November 2021. Fifty-five (55) contestants participated in the competition from eleven (11) ECOWAS member states. They were awarded prizes of different categories with the top three earning USD 30,000: USD 25,000 and USD 15,000 respectively.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).