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WOMEN IN UNITY STATE FACE HEALTH BARRIERS

Unity State, South Sudan: Women and girls in Unity State face life-threatening barriers to health and protection services as floods, displacement, and funding gaps worsen. Frontline health workers warn that without urgent support, many lives are at risk.

Thousands rely on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services supported by Cordaid and UNFPA, but access remains limited in remote and flood-affected areas.

Dr. Anwar Zacharia-Marjan, Cordaid’s Area Manager for Unity State, oversees SRH, GBV, and UNFPA-supported projects across all counties.

“We are the frontline for women and girls. Our work covers 16 health facilities, Women & Girls Friendly Spaces, and emergency referrals,” Dr. Anwar said.

Gatluak Gwong Jiel, Head of Midwives and Nurses, Maternity, at Bentiu State Hospital, highlighted challenges in providing safe deliveries in urban and remote areas

“Even when mothers come from distant counties, we ensure quality care and coordinate with specialists for complications,” he said.

Claire Nakalima, SRHR Officer at Cordaid in Unity State, emphasized linking health services and GBV support to deliver effective care.

 “GBV is directly related to health. Survivors need coordinated services across health, protection, psychosocial, and legal sectors to ensure healing without interruption,” Nakalima explained.

Floods have displaced communities, leaving women and girls at increased risk of violence. Funding cuts have closed facilities in some areas, delaying life-saving interventions such as emergency contraception or PEP.

Cultural norms also endanger women. Nakalima described incidents where male relatives controlled consent for urgent procedures, delaying emergency care.

“A mother was bleeding heavily and needed surgery, but her father refused consent, saying dowry had been paid. By the time approval was granted, her condition worsened dangerously,” she said.

Cordaid works to engage men and communities to promote equality and prevent GBV.

“Men need to understand that women can participate in family, community, and political decisions. Equal rights save lives,” Nakalima added.

Frontline workers stress urgent, coordinated action is needed. Strengthened referral pathways, increased funding, and expanded outreach are essential to protect women and girls in flood-affected and displaced communities.

 “With continued support from UNFPA and Cordaid, women can make decisions about their lives and health. This benefits families, communities, and the state,” Nakalima concluded.

Despite worsening crises, Cordaid, under Dr. Anwar Zacharia-Marjan, with frontline staff Claire Nakalima and Gatluak Gwong Jiel, continues providing dignified, timely, and comprehensive care, ensuring survivors are not left to suffer in silence.