IOM Celebrates World Health Day with IDPs in Bentiu Protection of Civilian Area
On 9 - 10 April 2015, the International Organization of Migration (IOM) Health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) teams in Bentiu held a two day event to celebrate the 2015 UN World Health Day. The event raised awareness on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and the importance of sexual and reproductive health including family planning, and domestic violence. This theme was chosen given the need to raise awareness on these emergency related issues in the community. The events were attended by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) inside of UNMISS Protection of Civilian (PoC) site, and specifically focused on the involvement of men and youth in order to provide a constructive debate on these subjects.
In Bentiu, IOM provides critical life-saving health care services including comprehensive reproductive health care, along with the provision of water, sanitation, hygiene promotion and solid waste management services.
Speeches from IOM and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) were followed by songs, dances and drama performances from women’s groups on the themes. World Health Organization (WHO) participated, discussing HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention and providing a demonstration on female and male condoms, with the support of IOM Health and Hygiene Promoters.
The event ended with a trivia quiz and games on the theme. Participants received prizes related to hygiene (toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap and powdered washing detergent). The two day celebration was well received by the community with active participation from both genders and age groups, in particular the youth.
“The community in the Bentiu POC is particularly receptive to community wide events and this past week was no exception with a high participation rate and a very positive response.” Stated Mariangela D’Adamo, IOM Health and Hygiene Promotion Officer, who is based in Bentiu. Mariangela points out the importance of the World Health Day event - “Our aim is to boost awareness of the link between health and hygiene within the community and improve people’s quality of life.”
