In 2013, conflict broke out in South Sudan. A hopeful country—one that won its independence just two years earlier, on July 9, 2011—found itself imploding. To date, the vicious and bloody civil war between government and opposition forces is believed to have claimed at least 50,000 lives, driven 2 million people out of the country …
Samuel Mbuto is full of heart. I hear it immediately. It’s something more than passion or conviction for a cause; it’s a delicate hopefulness and an innate joyfulness built from years of dedication and hard work. As a Nutrition Manager for International Medical Corps, Samuel consistently confronts harrowing starvation in children and, sometimes, devastating loss. …
As part of International Medical Corps’ commitment to combatting gender based-violence (GBV) in South Sudan, we are working on a number of different programs that empower women within the community. Among other things, we offer training in business management and leadership skills that aim to prevent GBV risks while empowering them within their households and their …
Even in the most advanced industrialized countries, mental health can be quite a taboo issue. In developing countries? It can be virtually nonexistent, with an average of one psychiatrist for every two million people. Things are starting to change, however—thanks in large part to people like Esubalew Haile, a psychiatrist from Ethiopia and Mental Health …
My name is Kenyi Friday Lodu. I am 25 years old. I was born in Kajo Keji County, south of South Sudan’s capital of Juba. Due to fighting in South Sudan, I grew up in neighboring Uganda until the age of 14 before returning to my home country in 2005. I lost my father in …
An independent country since 2011, South Sudan spiraled into civil war in late 2013. The conflict has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in which 4 million people have been forced from their homes and 6 million people are facing severe food insecurity. The endless violence and displacement puts women and girls at risk of violent …
It is estimated that one in five people are affected by depression and anxiety in humanitarian emergencies and ongoing conflict. Yet, mental health services are often non-existent or not accessible. In fact, four out of five people with mental disorders do not receive care in low and middle income countries. As one of the few …
As a gender-based violence (GBV) case manager for International Medical Corps in Wau, South Sudan, my job is emotionally exhausting and at times dangerous. I run a 24-7 hotline that people can call to confidentially report cases of abuse, including rape and sexual assault. I then respond to those calls, tracking down the survivor and …
Two years after South Sudan gained independence, Dr. Inka Weissbecker, global mental health and psychosocial advisor for the International Medical Corps, toured the young country’s only mental health facility.
Logistics is like a link chain—it’s only as strong as its weakest link. Each piece has to connect firmly with the next or the whole system breaks down. We have to make sure the right people, the right skills, and the right materials are all in the right place at the right time. This might …