Our Impact in 2011

• Lifesaving care in Somalia
• Rebuilding in Haiti
• Emergency Response for Ivory Coast Refugees
• Building the capacity of a new nation South Sudan

Building the capacity of a new nation South Sudan

On July 9, 2011, South Sudan became an independent state. The nation celebrated what they hope will be the end of decades of civil war.

While there is great hope for the future in South Sudan, conditions there are dire. Electricity and running water are extremely scarce. Only about 30 percent of the population has access to adequate health care services. One in seven children will die before celebrating their fifth birthday. And there is a constant shortage of lifesaving drugs, essential supplies and funds to operate ambulances.

But in 2011, American Refugee Committee supporters stepped forward to provide critical care and truly save lives.

Several clinics in South Sudan were in danger of being shuttered for a shortage of financial support. 160,000 people would have been left with no place to seek medical attention for themselves and their families. No place to get the lifesaving drugs they need to survive. Health workers would have to abandon their posts to find alternative ways to support their families.

We asked for help. ARC Board Member Sheila Leatherman offered to match donations made for health care in South Sudan. And supporters responded.

As a result, all 58 health facilities that ARC supports in South Sudan were able to remain open ensuring 600,000 people would have access to medical care.

We were able to continue supporting community health workers, the people on the front lines providing care. They continued providing children with lifesaving immunizations, treating injuries and controlling serious illnesses without interruption. The support of ARC donors was critical.

In 2012, we will continue working with South Sudanese doctors, nurses and health workers to build their capacity to care for their new country. With your support, we can make sure people in South Sudan and around the world continue to receive the lifesaving care and critical drugs they need. Will you consider a donation.