On April 5, 2020, South Sudan confirmed the first case of Covid-19, after which the Government issued restrictive measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The restrictions clearly had a further impact on the local economy and commodity prices have risen, creating stress in the markets and insecurity in the population.
The coronavirus also had an echo in the Gumbo camp for displaced people, directly managed by the Salesians. The camp was established in 2014, after the outbreak of the civil war in December 2013. It currently hosts nearly 9,800 people, including many children, orphans, women and the elderly. The Salesians, in Gumbo, welcomed the refugees, offering them food, education and medical care, as well as moral and spiritual support.
In these months of pandemic, the Salesians have continued their work on behalf of the most vulnerable families. The latter have been registered and categorized to facilitate the distribution of food, water and basic necessities, such as sanitary kits, mattresses, soaps and plastic sheets to cover the roofs.
During this period, despite some difficulties, distribution took place regularly and vulnerable families were able to benefit from the products made available by the Salesians. The refugees were also reminded to follow the protocols dictated by the Ministry of Health, that is, to wash their hands often, to maintain hygiene and body care.
In any case, instability in the country remains high. Funding is inadequate and fails to meet the needs of all internally displaced people, nor to cover medical expenses for the elderly and sick. Furthermore, the constant fluctuation of prices and the consequent economic difficulties remain a challenge for the Country's most vulnerable individuals.
