Humanitarian Action for Children 2021
Annex 1: Case study
UNICEF-supported nutrition stabilization centre in hard-hit
Jonglei State saves the life of a 2-year-old boy
Top Level Results
With resources made available through global thematic funds, UNICEF procured therapeutic milk for the
treatment of children affected by severe wasting and underlying medical complications, and recruited and
trained nutrition nurses to support 24-hour treatment at the inpatient nutrition stabilization centre in Keew
Payam, Fangak County, Jonglei State. This support helped save the life of a 23-month-old severely
malnourished little boy called Gatdet (not his real name) who was successfully treated for two weeks at the
Centre and was then discharged to an OTP to continue his treatment until full recovery.
Gatdet spent a longer time in the stabilization centre than is usually required because on admission he was
severely dehydrated and had recurrent diarrheal episodes and loss of appetite. Nevertheless, the staff managed
to stabilize the child, and the mother of Gatdet was so happy to see her child regaining strength and return to
normal health status:
"I thank you for saving the life of my child and to UNICEF for the support provided through Christian Mission
Aid," said Gatdet's mother.
"I could not believe my child was going to recover from this sickness. In addition to treatment provided to
my child, I also benefitted from education on how to feed and take care of my children such as on early
initiation of breast-feeding, exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. I also now understand
why it is important to play with my kids and I can make toys from materials we have in the community" she
added.
"I will live as an example to encourage other mothers not to believe in traditional healers or food taboos. I
ask all of you to continue with the good service in our community." Gatdet's mother concluded.
Gatdet playing with ECD toys.
Gatdet during an appetite test.
Background
Jonglei is one of the top six areas in South Sudan, in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including malnutrition
treatment services. Food insecurity, limited access to health care services and safe drinking water, and are
some of the major issues underlying malnutrition. Access constraints due to poor road connections are also an
obstacle to effective service provision in the area. Most health facilities are non-functional and communities rely
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