By Kei Emmanuel
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Kajo-Keji County have reported the registration of 20 new cases of HIV/AIDS among youth under 18 years old in recent months.
Likambo Richard, Project Officer at SPEDP, attributed these recent cases partly to funding disruptions following global cuts to USAID funds by the United States government.
Richard further noted that insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and inconsistent political leadership transitions in the county are also contributing factors to the rise in new HIV/AIDS infections.
Meanwhile, Yongo Chaplain, an official from the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB), highlighted that the majority of the 20 new cases are orphans aged below 18.
These statistics were released by the officials on Wednesday during a briefing to the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner on the challenges confronting humanitarian organizations in the area.
In response to the concerns raised, Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule directed all NGOs operating in the county to shift their focus from emergency response to the delivery of basic social services and sustainable development programs.
Commissioner Jackson noted that repurposing program activities would strengthen the resettlement and stabilization efforts for returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities.
He added that the security situation in Kajo-Keji County has steadily improved over the past two months, emphasizing the need for enhanced coordination between public and security stakeholders to reduce the killing of innocent civilians.
Concurrently, Mogga Charles, Secretary of the County Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, stated that a total of 24 NGOs, predominantly community-based organizations, are currently operating in the county. However, he noted that their operational scope is limited due to financial and other resource constraints.
Charles called for strengthened coordination through regular cluster meetings to align partner efforts with the county’s peace and development priorities.
Wednesday’s meeting between the Commissioner and NGO representatives brought together 17 individuals from various institutions, aiming to enhance collaboration and promote Kajo-Keji County’s sustainable recovery from conflict to peace and development.