The UNMISS facilitated and funded the building of a primary health care unit, in line with its mandate to reach out to communities through quick impact projects and pave the way to development, peace and stability. The unit will have a major impact on the health of the local people of Moroyok, Rejaf and Jonduru. The Moroyok community in Juba had prioritized health as one of the most important areas of development. No public health care unit existed in Moroyok area and its people needed an adequate support facility to provide health services.

The facility was constructed by the UNMISS Nepalese contingent and coordinated by Relief, Reintegration and Protection (RRP) section. The dedication of the Nepalese contingent and the collaboration with the community made it possible to construct the building and transport medical supplies from the State Ministry of Health, and supplementary drugs donated by the Chinese battalion.

The unit was inaugurated and handed over to the Moroyok community and State Ministry of Health at a special event. Government officials including the Minister of Health Hon. James Jada Eluzai, as well as UNMISS and community representatives attended the ceremony. To celebrate the remarkable moment, the Moroyok community pupils welcomed the guests with a song. With melodic rhythms and a message for unity, the children’s voices infatuated the audience. The blue helmets, a traditional dance by the Nepalese contingent and a dazzling cultural performance by the Moroyok community made the day even more colorful and memorable.

Mr. Malis Joseph Moses – Moroyok Community leader, praised the efforts of the Nepalese contingent and the dialogue with UNMISS for this great achievement. “The building construction is not the only accomplishment which deserves congratulations but also the immediate start of health care services provision thanks to the Ministry of Health”, he said. The Ministry of Health supported the project and contributed with staffing and equipment.

The Primary Health Care Unit was part of UNMISS tasks to reach out to communities through quick impact projects and evidences the effective community engagement, explained Mr. Sam Muhumure, Head of UNMISS RRP. He pointed out the cooperation with the communities as a major pillar for the project’s selection and implementation. UNMISS Head of Field Office Juba – Mr. John Ugolo, stressed the main goal of the unit to support the Government of South Sudan and its positive impact for the Moroyok community and also highlighted the close collaboration with communities to address their needs according to their priorities.

Hon. James Jada Eluzai – Minister of Health, recognized Nepal’s long-standing commitment and dedication to UN Peacekeeping, alongside with its resilience and strength. He expressed appreciation to the Nepalese battalion for building the facility which the community has been longing for. “Congratulations to UNMISS for showing the spirit of peace, the spirit of leadership and the spirit of development – and thus setting the right example for South Sudan to follow, UNMISS legacy will not be forgotten, people of Moroyok will remember”, stated Justine Nyoma – Head of County Health Department.

All speakers united in the understanding that health is a benefit for everybody but also a collective responsibility. UNMISS teams continue to work on different quick impact initiatives targeting health, education, water provision, community relations and peace building as well as infrastructure for assisting humanitarian aid delivery.