Sources: UNICEF South Sudan, World Bank, UNICEF South Sudan.
In the remote communities of Maker Kuei, families face significant barriers to healthcare, nutrition, and reliable food supplies.
Long distances to health facilities, the cost of treatment, food insecurity, and limited access to health information can prevent children from receiving care when they first become unwell. For children under five, malnutrition and preventable illnesses such as malaria can quickly become life-threatening.
Mothers and caregivers carry much of the responsibility for children’s health, often with few resources and limited access to professional guidance. Strengthening their knowledge and bringing healthcare closer to their communities are essential to improving early childhood health.
The Building Strong Foundations program brings nutrition, healthcare, and practical health education directly to families across Maker Kuei.
Run by Loreto Rumbek, the program identifies children affected by malnutrition and connects them with daily meals, nutritional supplements, medical care, vaccinations, and ongoing monitoring.
Mobile health outreaches also travel to surrounding villages, providing free consultations for children under five. At the same time, mothers and caregivers learn how to recognise signs of malnutrition and illness, improve hygiene and nutrition practices, and seek treatment early.
By combining immediate care with practical knowledge and locally led food production, the program supports both children’s recovery and longer-term family wellbeing.
Children identified as malnourished receive daily nutritious meals and supplements according to their individual needs.
Their weight, appetite, and mid-upper arm circumference are monitored throughout the program, allowing staff to track recovery and respond when additional care is needed.
Health outreach teams travel to remote villages, making free medical consultations available closer to where families live.
Children can receive routine vaccinations, treatment for malnutrition-related illnesses, and support for common conditions such as malaria. This reduces delays in seeking care and helps prevent illness from worsening.
Mothers and caregivers take part in daily education on nutrition, hygiene, malaria prevention, and recognising early signs of illness.
This knowledge helps families make informed decisions, adopt safer practices, and seek medical attention sooner when a child becomes unwell.
Caregiver-led gardens support families to grow food locally and strengthen household food security.
These gardens extend the program beyond emergency assistance by helping communities build practical, sustainable responses to nutrition needs.
The Building Strong Foundations program recognises that a child’s health is shaped by the support surrounding them.
Nutritious food and timely medical care can help a child recover. Knowledge can help a caregiver recognise danger signs earlier. A local food garden can strengthen a family’s ability to meet future needs.
By working alongside mothers, caregivers, and communities, Loreto Rumbek is strengthening nutrition, healthcare, and family support for young children.
Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia.
"*" indicates required fields
