IMPACT STORIES

EPC Health

 

Yei, South Sudan

 

Bringing health and peace in South Sudan

 
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Region:

East Africa

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Local leadership delivers when others are unable

Prior to the outbreak of civil war in 2013, South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, made significant development progress. Yei River County was no exception. Bishop Elias Taban, a native of Yei and world-recognized leader, founded EPC Health, which operated as a financially, self-sustaining primary care facility in an area with some of the worst health indicators in the world. It all abruptly changed in the summer of 2016, when the civil war reignited and reached Yei, leading to more than 10,000 residents fleeing to refugee camps in neighboring Uganda. NGOs evacuated personnel and an estimated 100,000 residents were left stranded with food in short supply and no means of escape.

Instead of being dissuaded by war and violence, Bishop Elias Taban, a native of Yei and world-recognized leader, took immediate action to respond to the community’s basic needs. EPC, the organization he founded, pursues a faith-based and locally-driven development model with multiple impact areas: clean water, healthcare, education and infrastructure. Bishop Taban continued EPC’s operations and looked to international partners for support during this challenging time.

Throughout the intense fighting, Impact AO supported EPC Health raising funds and coordinating with global NGOs to secure and deliver desperately needed medicines to keep the clinic open. Lifesaving supplies, such as antibiotics and malaria medicine, were provided by Direct Relief and Blessings International. Aside from the government hospital which was overcrowded and operating under desperate conditions, EPC was one of the very few health facilities that remained open.

Impact AO also served as a key partner in the South Sudan Now peace building coalition to support Bishop Taban as he brought differing factions together to achieve a peace accord. In June 2017, a peace agreement was established which served as a model for the entire nation. Under the most difficult circumstances, EPC has been able to deploy strategies that ignite local innovation, foster independence and promote self-reliance. Through toil, dedication and perseverance, EPC’s  greatest potential continues to unfold.