24 October 2014 - UNMISS and UN agencies today donated used clothes, money and other needed items to over 650 men, women and orphans living with HIV/AIDS at Nzara Rain Bow community to mark UN Day in Western Equatoria.

“The purpose of our visit to you today during UN day celebrations is to show our solidarity, present some donations and plant a tree as a sign of hope,” said UNMISS Officer- in-Charge Pilar Cuesta.

She said UNMISS would continue to support them and advocate for help on their behalf.

Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly Speaker Bage James Elisa praised the UN for visiting people living in Rain Bow community and giving them hope.

“I am urging the UN to help these vulnerable people and orphans,” he said. “With your efforts and the government, we can partly provide for their needs.”

People living with HIV/AIDS in the community felt neglected, said Nzara County Commissioner Elia Richard Box, thanking UNMISS and UN agencies for celebrating their anniversary with them.

He praised the Comboni Catholic sisters, who are running Rain Bow Community Centre and helping HIV victims with basic needs.

Centre representative Justin Richard said this was the first time a high-level delegation had visited them. Their most pressing challenges were lack of food, a balanced diet and operating the school, which they had opened in the Centre for both orphans and adults.

The Day began with celebrations in the state capital Yambio, which included speeches, dramas, songs from local artists and poems. Over 300 government and UN officials and staff attended

The celebration was concluded with a football match between UNMISS/UN Agency staff and state media, which UNMISS won 4-0.