Author: Daniel Arop

Living in a conflict-affected area is not only catastrophic, it strips away more than just safety, takes away loved ones, dignity, and the ability to dream. At a tender age, Gloria Mario discover herself in the midst of conflict in Tombura County a place that has been torn apart by conflict in Western Equatoria State for Years.

Gloria was raised by hardworking parents who dreamed of a better future for their children. They hoped Gloria would finish school and achieve her goal of becoming a nurse. But everything changed during the conflict. Her father was tragically killed by unknown gunmen. “Life became incredibly hard for me,” Gloria recalls. With her father’s death, she lost not just a parent, but a source of protection, guidance, and emotional support. Her dreams began to fade, and she soon relocated to Nzara County in search of safety

“I never imagined that losing my father would be the beginning of a life filled with fear, survival, and silence. But it was also the path that led me to discover my strength”.

Alone and without support, Gloria was overwhelmed by hardship. Struggling to survive, she felt pressured into exchanging sex for money a means to afford school fees and basic needs in a time of rising inflation. “It was a life filled with pain and shame, but I had no choice” she ad

ds.

The little penny gained from traditional unwanted activities support her in the school and purchase her basic needs due to the economic inflation.

During location-based outreach Programme by peer educators in hotspot area of the high risk population in Nzara County, everything changed when Gloria met NEPWU’s peer educators implementing Global Fund activity under the project “integrating service for maximum impact” through UNDP

The peer educators became a turning point in her life. “They offered not only emotional and psychological support but also restored my dignity. Through their guidance, I learned to recognize my worth. I now have the confidence to say “No” to exploitation and to make choices that protect my health and future”, She adds

The peer educators counsel and seek her consent to be tested for HIV. The results turned negative. This moment gave Gloria a new lease of life.

Today, Gloria feels empowered and deserted commercial sex activities from Tombura and begin rebuilding her life, “I have hope. And I’m determined to build a better future for myself and for others like me”.

Currently with support from UNDP, NEPWU is reaching the KVPs with HIV, STI preventive messages and providing psychosocial first aid to high risk population who suffered GBV in six different states across South Sudan. The project brings HIV testing, condom distribution, PrEP, STI screening, and treatment services closer to the beneficiaries and their clients, making it easier for them to access care without stigma or discrimination.

By providing comprehensive prevention packages, including condoms, regular testing, and health education, the project significantly reduces new HIV infections among a high-risk population. It also ensures that those who test positive for HIV are quickly linked to antiretroviral treatment and psychosocial support, improving treatment adherence and viral suppression rates.

In South Sudan, where access to health services for key populations remains a persistent challenge, the Integrating Service for Maximum Impact project by Global Fund Through UNDP has emerged as a lifeline for the KVP. Implemented by the National Empowerment of positive Women United-NEPWU in six states across the country, this initiative is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive HIV prevention package saving lives, restoring dignity, and fostering hope.

At the heart of this success are the peer educators’ unsung heroes whose dedication goes beyond duty. Working tirelessly, often in challenging environments and with limited resources, these courageous men and women have become trusted bridges between the community and lifesaving services. Their empathy, sacrifice, and persistence have enabled NEPWU to reach 5,916 FSWs with targeted HIV prevention messages during the reporting period within just six months (Jan-June).

Through one-on-one interactions, group sessions, and discreet outreach in hotspots, peer educators not only share critical information about their practices, condom use, and STI prevention, but also break down barriers of fear and stigma that too often prevent individuals from seeking care. They are more than messengers they are companions in the journey toward better health.

Thanks to their relentless commitment, 2,550 people were tested for HIV. Those who received a positive diagnosis were immediately linked to care and treatment services, ensuring that no one is left behind. This proactive approach is vital in reducing HIV transmission rates and improving the quality of life for those living with the virus.

NEPWU’s role in this mission is equally significant. By designing and coordinating community-driven strategies, the organization ensures that services are accessible, inclusive, and rights-based. NEPWU works closely with community leaders, health facilities, and government stakeholders to create an enabling environment where key populations especially female sex workers can access the full spectrum of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment without discrimination.

Operating in six states across South Sudan, NEPWU’s implementation of the Integrating Service for Maximum Impact project is more than just a program, it is a commitment to social justice, public health, and human dignity. The combination of peer-led outreach and organizational leadership has proven to be a winning strategy, turning the tide against HIV in some of the most marginalized communities.

As the project moves forward, NEPWU remains steadfast in its mission: to empower female sex workers, dismantle stigma, and ensure that HIV prevention and care are not just services, but rights accessible to all. The dedication of peer educators stands as a testament to the power of community-driven action reminding us that with compassion, sacrifice, and persistence, lasting change is possible.

It was a sweltering afternoon at the bustling Nimule border post, where the noise of revving engines, the shuffle of paperwork, and the tension of long waits filled the air. Among the tired drivers parked under the shade of their trucks was a Kenyan driver named Abdallah Karim in his late 30s, preparing for the final stretch of his long journey to Juba. Like many in his line of work, life on the road was routine lonely nights, risky encounters, and little time to think about health.

As he leaned against his truck, two Peer Educators from the National Empowerment of Positive Women United (NEPWU) approached him with a calm, respectful demeanour. They weren’t there to lecture, but to interact and talk about something rarely discussed at truck stops: HIV prevention and sexual health.

At first, he was sceptical. “I thought they were trying to sell me something,” he recalled. “But they spoke to me like a close friend, not just a driver.”

What followed was a life-changing conversation. The Peer Educators invited him where they stationed along the road and spoke about the high risks faced by mobile populations like truck drivers who spend weeks on the road, far from families, often exposed to situations where protection and awareness could mean the difference between life and death.

Abdallah responded positively, “I have taken many years without hearing about HIV and how one can protect their selves, thank you for calling me here and sharing this information with me.

He was provided with a pack of condoms, but more importantly, he received something even more valuable that is a clear, respectful demonstration on how to use them correctly. The educators explained how to check for expiry dates, how to properly put on and dispose of a condom, and answered every question without judgment.

“I had never been shown that before,” he said. “It was simple, but it made all the difference. I felt empowered. I’ve crossed many borders in my life, but this was the first time someone stopped me not to check my cargo, but to check if I was okay.”

Before getting back behind the wheel, he paused and thanked the NEPWU team:
“What you’re doing is not small. You’re helping us stay alive. You’ve given me knowledge I will carry home to my wife and friends.”

His story is just one among many, yet it reflects the real impact of the project “INTEGRATING SERVICE FOR MAXIMUMIMPACT” led by NEPWU with support from the UNDP and Global Fund. By reaching individuals in overlooked spaces—like border points and truck stops, this initiative is not only preventing HIV and STIs, but building trust, spreading dignity, and transforming lives.

Peer Educators in Nimule have been reaching out to high-risk mobile populations, including truck drivers, with tailored HIV prevention services.