LWF Uganda/Sudan and LWF Kenya/Sudan have been instrumental in providing support to the returnees, IDPs, and host communities of Eastern Equatoria and Jonglei respectively over the past two years. However, the impending arrival of ever-increasing returnee numbers and the current situation require tremendous support.

The needs are so overwhelming that the question of having an LWF country program for Sudan specifically becomes ever-present. Currently, the projects in Sudan are supported through LWF Uganda and LWF Kenya. Such an approach has reached its limits. The situation now requires increasingly more complicated and responsive interventions including improved coordination and management - which a unified stand-alone Sudan country program can provide. The LWF's Department of World Service's standing committee has approved the commencement of a new stand-alone country office. It is anticipated that this country program will be launched in Torit in 2007, where Torit is a hub area within Southern Sudan. The liaison office is anticipated to be in Juba. In so doing, the LWF could ensure increased support to the area, and provide the significant level of attention that is required.

LWF launched an ACT appel to address the immediate needs and help resettle the most vulnerable returning and displaced members of the population and the host communities in Ikotos County and the surrounding areas in Eastern Equatoria State as well as Twic East and Duk Counties (North Bor), and the surrounding areas in Jonglei State.

Objectives:

 Increase access to safe water and hygiene facilities  Increase hygiene and sanitation awareness  Increase food security  Increase HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness  Support increased access to education  Create awareness and build self-sufficiency on pertinent issues such as peace building, gender, HIV/AIDS awareness, and psychosocial support  Support capacity building of local authorities to help ensure good governance

Approximately 30,000 persons comprising the returnees, IDPs, and host communities' most vulnerable households in Ikotos County will be targeted. In North Bor, the project anticipates serving 16,500 people (4,000) families. The project will give special consideration to both women and children.

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