By James Innocent
The Director General at the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has commended the Koneta Hub Initiative for its efforts to combat child malnutrition in Yei River County through a UNICEF-supported nutrition program benefiting thousands of vulnerable children.
During a visit to the organisation’s offices in Yei, Director General Nunu Diana Alison praised Koneta Hub Initiative for implementing community-based nutrition interventions, including the production and distribution of peanut butter and poultry farming, aimed at improving the nutritional status of children.
She said the program has reached more than 3,000 malnourished children across Yei River County and described the initiative as an important contribution to protecting children’s health and welfare.
Alison urged parents and caregivers to prevent gender-based violence and other forms of abuse that can negatively affect children’s well-being, noting that South Sudan continues to face high levels of child malnutrition that require collective action from families, communities, government institutions, and development partners.
She said her visit to Yei was intended to strengthen cooperation between the Central Equatoria State Government, local authorities, and community-based organisations working to improve the lives of vulnerable children.
The Director General further encouraged development partners and donors to continue supporting community-led nutrition programs, saying such initiatives play a vital role in reducing malnutrition and improving children’s health.
Koneta Hub Initiative Executive Director welcomed the state delegation, saying the visit demonstrated the government’s commitment to monitoring and supporting community initiatives that address pressing humanitarian challenges.
He said the organisation works closely with government institutions in promoting innovation, gender equality, nutrition, and social inclusion, adding that the partnership is helping improve the lives of vulnerable families in Yei River County.
Koneta Hub Nutrition Project Manager Woja Peter said the organisation is producing nutritious peanut butter and expanding poultry farming to improve access to protein-rich foods for children at risk of malnutrition.
He encouraged parents to work closely with the organisation and participate in nutrition programs, saying community involvement is essential in the fight against child malnutrition.
Meanwhile, Azania Amude, the Acting Director of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare for Yei River County, welcomed the Director General to Yei and thanked the state ministry for visiting community projects that are supporting vulnerable children.
She said the visit provided an opportunity for officials to assess the impact of local organisations responding to child malnutrition during a period when many families continue to face economic and humanitarian challenges.
According to county officials, the nutrition program aims to reach more than 4,000 children through the provision of peanut butter supplements and poultry-based nutrition support designed to improve children’s dietary intake and overall health.
The initiative is implemented by Koneta Hub Initiative with support from UNICEF as part of broader efforts to reduce child malnutrition and strengthen community-based nutrition services in Yei River County.