On July 9, the Republic of South Sudan has become the world’s newest country, after the historic vote for independence earlier this year. The people of South Sudan are looking hopefully to the future, but many challenges lie ahead. With more than 30 years’ experience working with Sudanese communities, CARE is committed to working in partnership with the people of South Sudan to tackle those challenges.
From the start, South Sudan will be one of the world’s poorest countries. Much of South Sudan is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis fuelled by years of chronic under-development, conflict and natural disasters. The impact on the population is devastating:
- One in seven women will die in childbirth
- 84 percent of women are illiterate
- Half the population has no access to improved sources of drinking water
- One out of nine children will not live to see their fifth birthday
- Only one-third of the population has ever attended school
As the country prepares to celebrate independence, CARE is committed to continue our work with the communities, local and national governments and other aid agencies to create lasting change by improving access to water and sanitation facilities and health care, strengthening jobs opportunities, and contributing to peacebuilding efforts.
Looking to the future, the overarching goal of CARE South Sudan’s five-year strategic plan is to help rural women and girls of reproductive age and male youth contribute to peaceful, socially cohesive and resilient communities. This will support a range of activities around governance, capacity building for local people, disaster risk reduction to help people prepare for and lessen the impacts of disasters, service delivery, and humanitarian support in times of crisis.
We are also committed to continuing our work in northern Sudan, where CARE International Switzerland implements programs in water and sanitation, hygiene education, primary health care, nutrition and livelihoods support, and provides emergency assistance to families affected by disasters or conflict.
As the world welcomes its newest country, CARE is calling on international donors to also renew their commitments to Sudan, north and south, and provide funding and support to help build a better future for Sudanese families.