South Sudan Community Health Formative Assessment

The assessment aimed to assess the governance and policy environment of the Basic Health Hubs (BHI) program, the demographic characteristics of Boma Health Workers (BHWs), and the accessibility and acceptability of community-based family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH), maternal and child health and nutrition (MNCHN), and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The assessment was conducted in 15 study sites across South Sudan, with a sample size of 1,500 participants. The study population included BHWs, community members, and health facility staff. Data collection was conducted through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and individual interviews, while data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The assessment found that BHWs had a good understanding of BHI policy frameworks, but faced challenges in implementing them due to inadequate essential supplies and resources. The BHWs also reported difficulties in accessing training and capacity-building opportunities, which hindered their ability to provide quality services. The assessment identified several service gaps in relation to community-based FP/RH, MNCHN, and WASH services, including inadequate availability of adolescent-friendly services and social and behavior change communication activities. The assessment also highlighted the importance of addressing gender-based concerns associated with the health of women and girls, including domestic violence, early marriage, and female genital mutilation. The BHWs reported that they faced several challenges in identifying, addressing, and providing referrals for GBV cases, including lack of training and resources. The assessment concluded that the MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience program has made significant progress in improving community health outcomes in South Sudan. However, several challenges remain, including inadequate essential supplies and resources, lack of training and capacity-building opportunities for BHWs, and inadequate availability of adolescent-friendly services and social and behavior change communication activities. Recommendations were made to address these challenges, including: * Strengthening the governance and policy environment of the BHI program * Providing adequate essential supplies and resources for BHWs * Increasing training and capacity-building opportunities for BHWs * Improving the availability of adolescent-friendly services and social and behavior change communication activities * Addressing gender-based concerns associated with the health of women and girls The assessment provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the MOMENTUM Integrated Health Resilience program in improving community health outcomes in South Sudan. The findings and recommendations of the assessment will inform program implementation and policy decisions to improve the health and well-being of communities in South Sudan. The assessment was conducted in 15 study sites across South Sudan, with a sample size of 1,500 participants. The study population included BHWs, community members, and health facility staff. Data