In a remote village along the banks of River Nile in South Sudan’s Lakes state, A 28-year-old Maria has become a beacon of hope in Minkaman-a community facing an ongoing crisis of flood. For the past two months, parts of the region have been submerged under devastating floodwater, affecting thousands of lives. As a trained peer counselor, Maria’s mission is simple but essential: to educate, support, advocate for change and empower her community in their health darkest times.
Maria’s role extended beyond just education—she became a bridge between the community (KPs) and humanitarian partners. As a Peer Educator, she worked closely with other local health workers and community leaders to ensure that recipients of care in the most remote areas received psychosocial support, HIV prevention message and peer to peer counseling.
“Peer educators like Maria are invaluable in disaster-stricken areas,” said Mr. Paul, a health official working in the region. “They are trusted by the KPs, they understand the local dynamics, and they can communicate essential health information in ways that outsiders often can’t.”
In the face of overwhelming adversity, Maria’s work as a peer educator has made an indelible mark on her community. Her tireless efforts have not only helped reduce the spread of HIV among KPs by widening their knowledge on preventive measures and provided critical health support but have also fostered a sense of unity and hope.
As floodwaters slowly recede and the village begins the long process of rebuilding, Maria’s story serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots efforts. In times of disaster, it is often those closest to the crisis who are best positioned to bring about real, lasting change.
“Being a Peer Educator isn’t just a job,” Maria reflects. “It’s a responsibility to the specific community I serve, to ensure that we can survive and rebuild, no matter what challenges come our way.”.
Currently, NEPWU with support from Global fund through UNFPA is reaching Sex Workers and IDPs with HIV, TB, STIs and GBV prevention messages in Mingkaman County.
