RWANDAN PEACEKEEPERS PROMOTES COMMUNITY HEALTH AND NUTRITION THROUGH CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN AND KITCHEN GARDEN INITIATIVE IN MALAKAL

Today, Rwandan peacekeepers (RWANBATT-2) serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) joined members of the local community, including representatives from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and community leaders, in a community work activity in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

The initiative focused on cleaning the IDP camp and its surroundings to improve sanitation and help prevent the spread of diseases in the densely populated settlement. The activity forms part of ongoing efforts by Rwandan peacekeepers to promote public health, environmental hygiene, and community well-being.

Following the clean-up exercise, women from the IDP camp participated in an awareness session on combating child malnutrition. The Rwanbatt-2 also demonstrated how to establish kitchen gardens for growing vegetables, enabling families to access nutritious food and maintain a balanced diet.

Mr Silvio Stephan Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the IDP camp, commended the Rwandan peacekeepers for their continued partnership and support to the local community.

“The Rwandan peacekeepers have become our brothers through the support and cooperation they continue to show us. We sincerely appreciate these initiatives and encourage them to maintain this meaningful engagement with our community,” he said.

The Commanding Officer of RWANBATT-2 Lt Col Emmanuel Ndahiro, addressed the participants and emphasized that the environmental cleanliness is a vital measure in preventing diseases such as malaria and encouraged residents to continue undertaking similar initiatives in the future.

“As peacekeepers, our mission extends beyond maintaining peace and security. We are committed to supporting local communities through activities that promote health, resilience, unity, and self-reliance. Today’s event is another testament to the strong partnership between RWANBATT-2 and the people of Malakal,” Lt Col Ndahiro stated.

The RWANBATT-2 Commanding Officer also highlighted the importance of kitchen gardens in improving household nutrition, noting that access to fresh vegetables can play a significant role in reducing malnutrition among vulnerable groups, particularly children.

Nyabol Ajak, one of the women who participated in the activity, expressed her appreciation to the Rwandan peacekeepers for the valuable knowledge shared during the nutrition awareness session.

She noted that access to a balanced diet remains a significant challenge for many families living in the IDP camp and that malnutrition continues to affect some children within the community. Ms. Ajak expressed optimism that the introduction of kitchen gardens would help improve household nutrition, increase access to fresh vegetables, and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for the community.