Southern Sudan Health Project’s (SSHP) Mission Statement says, “For the Glory of God we will strive to enable the development of community-based health systems and the holistic quality of life in Southern Sudan.” The project currently supports a total of eight Home Health Promoters (HHPs) in four villages around Malek, South Sudan. Four men and four women comprise the HHPs and are residents in the villages they serve. All received very basic training in effective health practices and in treatment of preventable diseases prevalent there. They address problems such as a lack of clean water, childhood vaccinations, and good hygiene practices as well as little access to latrines and safe childbirth practices. The HHPs provide medications for malaria, diarrhea, eye infections, and upper respiratory infections along with assessing and recommending more medical treatment for other health issues. Additionally, they provide educational trainings in preventive health care to groups such as pregnant women, school-aged children, independent families, women’s groups, youth and others. The HHP's are supervised by the local Bor County Health Department's supervisor who coordinates the project in South Sudan.

Pictured are Home Health Promoters Nhial and Rebecca meeting with villagers to diagnose and treat them.

The HHPs collect data for all their interactions and then submit the data to both the county health department and to the SSHP Committee in Syracuse, New York. Data show reduction in the cases of malaria, diarrhea and respiratory problems along with other prevalent health issues. Each month approximately 1,000 villagers receive health service through the HHPs. The workers report they see better hygienic practices by those they serve which helps reduce preventable health issues. Additionally, they find that villagers line up at their homes each morning because they value the HHPs’ services.

Pictured is an elderly man discussing his health concerns with his Home Health Promoters.

Before South Sudan became independent in 2011, many years of war resulted in the worst health care in the world. Some improvements were being achieved until war broke out again in 2014, halting improvements and progress. The HHPs fled their villages along with nearly all other residents, eventually going to displaced persons or refugee camps. The HHPS continued to provide their services even in these difficult living conditions. As peace gradually returned, they are returning to their villages and resuming their work back at home.

The annual cost for each HHP is $1500, which includes a monthly salary and supervision.

Pictured is Gai, a Home Health Promoter, using the clinic building to meet with villagers and to distribute medications as needed.

This model has improved health care in these Southern Sudanese villages. People in other villages as well as people living in refugee camps respect and value the services SSHP provides and consequently request expansion of the project. Even the county and state governments have requested that this program expand. SSHP wants to expand its services because the need is great and yield results in the improvement of villager’s health. SSHP sees its vision and mission becoming a reality as the HHPs continue their service to people who are in great need of loving and compassionate care as they face their harsh environment and difficult health issues. It is for the glory of God that SSHP works to raise the holistic quality of life for the villagers in Malek, South Sudan.

Fundraising Goal: $20,000

Contact info:

Pastor Brad Hunt

8 Alicia Circle

Churchville, NY 14428

Phone: (315) 525-6859

Email: revbhunt@gmail.com