Communities in Torit gain lifeline as WHH hands Over five new health facilities
By Welt hunger hilfe
Thousands of families battling child malnutrition and poor sanitation in Torit County now have renewed hope, as Welthungerhilfe (WHH) officially handed over five fully equipped nutrition and WASH facilities to local authorities last week.
The move is expected to significantly improve healthcare access across three rural payams: Imurok, Kudo, and Lowoi.
These newly constructed and rehabilitated sites are expected to benefit more than 20,000 people, delivering critical services such as malnutrition treatment, nutrition education, and safe water and sanitation to children under five, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
“These facilities are not just buildings — they are centers of healing,” said Ania Okinczyc, WHH Country Director. “Their handover marks a shift from dependency to local ownership. It’s about dignity, resilience, and giving power back to the people.”
Each facility has been fitted with drip stands, beds, latrines, and child-friendly materials, making them ready to serve as Stabilization Centers for children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) with complications. A nutrition store was also opened at Kudo PHCC, along with a new waiting area at Lofiri PHCU.
For Rehema Roman Doka, better known in the community as Mama Rehema, the upgrade couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Before this, we had broken beds and few sheets,” she said. “Now, we can properly care for the six to seven children we receive weekly. WHH helped close a gap that was hurting our children.”
But while the progress was welcomed, health officials highlighted persistent challenges.
“Our facilities are still overcrowded,” said Oboy Joseph Odong, acting medical director for Torit County. “We urge the government and partners to push health services further to the grassroots. What WHH did is a legacy — a model for future cooperation.”
Dr. Amin Gordiano, Director of Primary Health Care in Eastern Equatoria, emphasized the need for accountability and local engagement across all project phases.
“Imurok went nearly three years without functioning toilets,” he said. “We lobbied partners with no success — until now. WHH stepped in where others didn’t.”
At a time when South Sudan’s health system is grappling with funding cuts and infrastructure gaps, this initiative stands out as a model of community-centered health development reminding all stakeholders that lasting change often starts with small, deliberate steps in the right direction.
