Quarterly Program Performance Report: Emergency Response to Life Threatening Malnutrition in Jonglei, South Sudan

Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The project, implemented by Tearfund, aimed to address the critical needs of malnourished children, pregnant and lactating women, and other vulnerable populations in Uror County, Jonglei State. The project's focus areas, Modit, Karam, and Dakriang, have been relatively stable throughout the reporting period, with the areas serving as a safe haven for people fleeing from the frontline. However, the security situation in the surrounding areas has been volatile, with government troops and opposition forces engaged in intense fighting in Pajut, Duk County. This has led to significant population movements, with many residents fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in safer areas. Tearfund's response to the emergency has been multifaceted, with a focus on providing lifesaving services to malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women. The organization has established three feeding centers in Modit, Karam, and Dakriang, which offer nutrition treatment services, including community screening and referral, health and nutrition education, and outreach activities. The centers have been fully functional throughout the reporting period, with a total of 2,839 beneficiaries reached with behavior change interventions. The project's progress has been significant, with 57 mother support groups formed and supported by IYCF facilitators and counselors. These groups have carried out weekly and bi-weekly sessions, promoting recommended infant and child feeding practices, as well as health, hygiene, and sanitation practices. Additionally, 3 IYCF facilitators and 15 IYCF counselors have been trained, and 464 children and pregnant and lactating women have been admitted into the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition. The management of severe acute malnutrition has also been a key focus area, with 262 children aged 6-59 months treated for severe malnutrition during the reporting period. The project has also been working to address the challenges posed by pipeline breakages, which have affected the delivery of supplies and the number of admissions and discharges in the TSFP program. Despite the challenges posed by the security situation, Tearfund remains committed to providing lifesaving services to the people of Uror County. The organization continues to work closely with local partners, UNICEF, and other stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of services and to address the complex needs of the affected population.