Empowering Gender Champions in Sudan

The sudden violence that erupted in the country on April 15, 2023, has left thousands dead and millions of internally displaced people. It has resulted in a deterioration of living conditions in the host states in Sudan, among which Gedaref, situated in Eastern Sudan, on the border with Ethiopia.

Despite state’s capital city under the same name ‘Gedaref’ being largely shielded from direct conflict, it has been grappling with significant challenges due to the influx of internally displaced persons arriving, mostly, from Khartoum. Overcrowded markets, soaring food prices, and unreliable electricity services have been exacerbating tensions, leading to an increase in episodes of violence, especially targeting women and girls.

To help cope with the situation, Hadiya, Mubashar, and Rogia, 3 of the 67 participants in the training “Developing and Establishing Gender Champions” have been trying to curb the increase in incidents of gender-based violence (GBV). Within the WE-RISE! Project funded by the European Union, the training activity was implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in partnership with Mercy Corps, between June and July 2023.

Even before the fighting broke out on 15 April, more than 3 million women and girls in Sudan were at risk of gender-based violence, including intimate-partner violence, according to UN estimates. This number has since climbed to an estimated 4.2 million people. The number of individuals in need of GBV services has risen to 1.3 million[1].

Hadiya Ahmed Babiker, 35 years old, Head of AL-Majd CSO from El-Matna, Gala ALNahal, Gedaref. ©AICS

We must apply the knowledge gained from the training to find solutions to issues impacting women. This goes beyond merely addressing physical violence; it also involves tackling sensitive topics such as female genital mutilation (FGM), the exclusion of girls from schools at certain ages, and child marriages. Utilising our newfound knowledge, we can actively educate and raise awareness in our community to bring about positive change,” stated Hadiya.

 

In this context, Mercy Corps organised a series of training courses from June 22 to 25 and July 18 to 20 tackling 40 women and 27 men from diverse age groups and backgrounds, including students, self-employed and daily workers, housewives, youth volunteers, and members of the community service committee. The training was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of GBV and harmful social norms, its root causes, and its impact on individuals and communities. Through interactive sessions led by qualified facilitators, the participants discussed social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

One of the key objectives of the training was to raise awareness of the importance of consent and healthy relationships. Participants were trained to recognise signs of abuse and how to offer support to survivors in a sensitive manner. The training also strongly emphasised the role of young people in shaping the impact of social networks as an effective tool to counter harmful gender stereotypes still prevalent in society.

Mubashar Hassan Mohammed, 26 years old 3rd year accounting student from Galabat Alshargia, Gedaref. ©AICS

I learned important concepts, like the difference between sex and gender, justice, equality, and power and how it differs between the genders,” says Mubashar.

Mubashar has been nominated as the “Gender Champion” for his unwavering commitment to gender equality and his willingness to address “uncomfortable” topics in his community. Through this training, his knowledge and community mobilisation tools have significantly improved, hence enabling him to take a more proactive role within his community, family, and in his university towards eradicating harmful social norms[1].

 

Rogia El-Daw, 25 years old 2nd year Computer Studies student from Doka locality, Gedaref. ©AICS

“Through advocacy campaigns and by using social media, I plan to spread awareness on GBV and all related information. I will also address this subject in women gatherings and listen to their thoughts and ideas without forcing mine. I have learnt that we need to understand the issue and to recognise it, so you are able to solve it, like when husbands in my community are violent to their wives,’’ Rogia claims.

The gender-based violence training concluded with an action planning session, in which the participants were encouraged to develop ideas and initiatives to address the issue in their respective communities. The impact of this training should be far-reaching. By providing individuals with knowledge and skills, Gedaref is taking significant steps toward creating a safer and more inclusive society. The hope is that the trained participants will become gender champions, inspiring others to combat harmful social norms and work towards eradicating gender-based violence.

 

More about the Project

The EU-funded WE-RISE! – Women’s Empowerment for Resilience, Inclusion, Sustainability and Environment project is implemented by AICS and UN Women. The project aims to create a conducive environment for the economic empowerment of women and other socially excluded groups living in the most vulnerable situations in Khartoum, Kassala, Gedaref and the Red Sea States through financial inclusion schemes, strengthening women’s entrepreneurial capacities and promotion of positive social norms, in 38 months (Feb-2021 – Mar-2024).

“A Sudanese Heroine” – A Comics Competition to celebrate International Women’s Day

8th March 2024, AICS Khartoum is pleased to promote the “A Sudanese Heroine ” Comics Competition!

The competition is open to Sudanese illustrators of all genders.
Through comic strips, we ask illustrators to explore and depict the profound significance of International Women’s Rights Day within the intricate reality of women’s lives in contemporary Sudan.
Your artwork should capture the diversity of experiences, challenges, and triumphs that Sudanese women face, highlighting their roles and resilience in unique social, political, and economic contexts.

The initiative is carried out in the framework of the project WE-RISE! – Women’s Empowerment for Resilience, funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by AICS – Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and UN Women. WE-RISE! project aims to build inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities in Sudan, promoting an environment that supports the economic empowerment and protection of the civil rights of women and girls.

If you are a Sudanese illustrator, we invite you to showcase your talents to commemorate this day!

Submit your application by May 8, 2024

Download the regulations and apply: English version    /   Arabic version

Cultivating Hope in Gedaref: Empowering Women through WE-RISE!

In the heart of Gedaref State, Sudan, hope is emerging thanks to “WE-RISE!” – Women’s Empowerment for Resilience, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Environment, a project funded by the European Union and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in partnership with UN Women.

Since April 15, 2023, the Sudanese people have been grappling with the severe consequences of the ongoing armed conflict in the country between SAF and RSF. The conflict has compelled over 9 million individuals to abandon their homes, resulting in the largest internal displacement crisis globally. The internally displaced persons seek refuge in areas deemed safer, such as the state of Gedaref. Situated approximately 410 km from Khartoum and bordering Ethiopia to the east, Gedaref is renowned for its extensive agricultural activities. Sesame and sorghum make Gedaref vital for basic food production in Sudan. However, the conflict has negatively impacted the onset of the region’s agricultural season, exacerbating high costs and shortages of necessary agricultural inputs. Additionally, the rising cost of living – with an inflation rate surpassing 300% by the end of 2023 – has resulted in a shortage of food and essential goods for millions of people.

Gedaref: AICS and NGO Mercy Corps staff during the beneficiary registration process. | Credit: AICS.

Gedaref, Doka village, during the delivery to provide and tools to thrive during the planting season 2023. | Credit: AICS
In response, AICS, through the EU-funded WE-RISE project, intensified efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience, particularly supporting vulnerable women in Gedaref. In July 2023, AICS, UN WOMEN, Mercy Corps Microfinanza SRL, and CTC provided assistance to over 390 women in seven villages, distributing natural fertilizer composed of phosphorous and nitrogen, seed treatment, and herbicide. CTC, a pioneer in the agricultural sector in Sudan, provided technical support to ensure proper usage of inputs.

Hanaa Muhammad, a thirty-year-old from Doka-Gedaref and a member of the “Al-Rahma” farmers’ association, is one of the beneficiaries of the initiative who wanted to share the positive results achieved on her land with our support. | Credit: AICS.
“The ongoing war and climate change make our lives even more challenging. In these villages, our livelihoods depend on agriculture, that is why having a good harvest is crucial. I am the head of the family and responsible for nine other people. I am not the only woman in this situation […]. Poverty has started spreading in our villages, and it is increasingly difficult for us to sustain ourselves. Many families had to sell their harvests to cope with the famine, which has only worsened our future. The arrival of WE-RISE! brought a ray of hope! Thanks to this support, I received 25 kg of peanut, 3 kg of sorghum, and 4 kg of millet seeds, along with valuable fertilizers and pesticides.” – Hanaa explains.
As illustrated by Hanaa, the overall challenge in accessing food, stemming from families’ limited spending capacity, is further compounded by a significant decline in employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. Moreover, due to the ongoing crisis, farmers have faced challenges in obtaining loans or accessing bank accounts and mobile money services due to inefficiencies in the banking system.
Hanaa highlighted that “expenses related to the use of fertilizers per unit of land must be added to the costs incurred for seeds, herbicides, and planting, and therefore the overall costs are extremely high for a family like mine. We are aware of the benefits of fertilizers and we are willing to integrate them into their practices, but we encounter financial obstacles. Some decide to cultivate without fertilizers, negatively affecting their livelihoods, as they produce lower quantities on limited land that is utilised no more than three times a year for an extended period.”

AICS staff during on-site impact analysis. | Credit: AICS.

What are the achieved results?
Almost 12 tons of crops have been harvested: 3,362 kg of millet, 2,764 kg of sorghum, and 6,065 kg of peanuts. The FAO reports that the five-year average of groundnut production on rainfed land in Gedaref State stands at 0.68 (tonnes per hectare. Notably, small-scale Sudanese farmers, who make up the majority of groundnut cultivators in the region, primarily employ traditional, labour-intensive methods for planting and harvesting. These farmers often lack access to advanced agricultural technology and rely on manual techniques; all characteristics shared by most beneficiaries supported through the WE-RISE! the project. However, it’s important to note that the reported average yield may not accurately reflect the productivity of smallholder farmers using traditional rainfed cultivation methods. The FAO’s analysis likely combines data from both rainfed mechanised and rainfed traditional production systems. Considering the limitations of traditional farming practices, smallholder farmers may achieve lower yields compared to the reported average.
Following EU funding intervention, AICS has surveyed 15 beneficiaries, and the results are positive: 14 beneficiaries out of 15 have harvested more than 315 kg of ground nuts; 8 beneficiaries sold their crops in the market, while 14 beneficiaries use the crops for food consumption.
More importantly, the intervention shaped an enabling environment for Hanaa and the other women involved, offering them the opportunity to expand their access to resources and enhance their economic prospects. The group of women, along with their families, benefited from increased production, which generated an increase in income and improved the nutritional value of their diets. During the interviews, the beneficiaries expressed a sense of independence and pride. Hanaa emphasized the recognition received for the results achieved. Hanaa’s strength in a role that is not typically encouraged in women in her community and family context fuels female empowerment. Her contribution, which was also poured into the other women close to her, constitutes a step forward in the creation of new catalysts for change.

I am fortunate to be one of the beneficiaries of the WE-RISE! project…
I have saved my agricultural season from loss. I sold my production in the market and I managed to provide food to the family thanks to the additional income generated.” – Hanaa says with a smile.

Proudly, Hanaa tells of sowing on over 5 Fadan of land, ensuring a supply of seeds for the following year. | Credit: AICS.

WE-RISE! has become a beacon of hope for many women like Hanaa and her community
Since 2021, WE-RISE! project has aimed to empower women in the most vulnerable situations in the states of Kassala, Gedaref, and the Red Sea. Aligned with other initiatives by FAO and WFP, WE-RISE! strives to increase food production and mitigate food insecurity. Implemented by AICS and UN Women, the project seeks to empower women economically and promote positive social norms.
The EU-funded WE-RISE! project is a beacon of hope in Sudan, fostering resilience and sustainability in the face of adversity.
The EU-funded project WE-RISE! (Women’s Empowerment for Resilience, Inclusion, Sustainability, and Environment) is implemented by AICS and UN Women. The project aims to create a conducive environment for the economic empowerment of women and other socially excluded groups living in the most vulnerable situations in Khartoum, Kassala, Gedaref and the Red Sea States through financial inclusion schemes, strengthening women’s entrepreneurial capacities and promotion of positive social norms. The project has a duration of 44 months from February 2021 to July 2024.
Learn more about the WE-RISE! project!

Joint mission Agency for Development Cooperation and Evaluation Independent Body in Khartoum from March 24th to March 29th 2023

The visit to Sudan of the delegation led by the Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation Luca Maestripieri has ended.
In the 5 days of its duration, the mission was able to appreciate the work carried out by the AICS Khartoum both at a bilateral and multi-bilateral level.
"The Maternity Hospital of Port Sudan, the analysis laboratory and the three health centers visited today" - underlined DG Luca Maestripieri - "all rehabilitated with Italian and EU funds through the support of AISPO and Sassari Univeristy, are now able to offer a wide range of health services, including consultancy antenatal and postnatal services, maternal and child services, laboratory diagnostics, nutritional screening, vaccinations, training of health personnel on basic health services and communicable diseases – in line with SDG 3 aimed at ensuring health and well-being for all and for all ages.

During the mission, the delegation had the opportunity to met Althawara women's association in occasion of the inauguration of the project funded by Italy and implemented by UNWOMEN aiming at supporting the production of dry food such as fish, okra, tomato. "Gender equality, women's empowerment and health are the pillars of our cooperation in Sudan" clarified Michele Morana, head of office in Khartoum. "AICS is at the forefront in Sudan to deal with malnutrition of women and children, especially during pregnancy and lactation" concluded Morana.

The last day of the mission was dedicated to visiting the activities carried out in the open areas of Mayo, at the outskirts of Khartoum, where almost 600,000 people both refugees from Niger, South Sudan and Chad and IDPs from Kordofan and Darfur lived. Mayo lacks any type of services: education, water, and sanitation. "Our approach" commented Annamaria Iotti, from AICS Rome, "is based on the active participation of the community, so that our interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of the population are sustainable and long-lasting". The Ghaar Hiraa school built entirely through this approach, the rehabilitation of the road and solar energy wells, the campaign on birth registration and the prevention of communicable diseases, are some of the activities carried out by AICS Khartoum with the involvement of the local community. "Only though the commintment of the local community, we can achieve our common goals" concluded Stefano Glianiski, director of OIV in Italy.

Finally the delegation met the director of the Sudanese National Museum who presented the activities carried out as part of the initiative implemented by UNESCO and funded by Italy. "The Italian interventions contributed to the redesign of the museum spaces, involving international experts from institutes, universities and specialized foundations, developing an intense action of capacity building and transfer of skills and managerial know-how" commented the Michele Morana who then added "Italy pays great attention at international level to interventions in the cultural heritage, as far as Sudan is concerned, we are strongly committed to ensuring that this country can finally have its own national museum worthy of the treasures of ancient art of inestimable value".

Fostering a conducive business environment in African frontier markets through development cooperation. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and the case of Sudan

Last November 10th and 11th, AICS Khartoum attended the 9th edition of the conference "Southern Africa Europe Ceo Dialogue" organized by The European House – Ambrosetti in Johannesburg. The new call for proposals for profit organization has been presented.
The side event  organized by AICS KHAROUM titled “Fostering a conducive #business #environment in African frontier #markets through #development #cooperation. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and the case of Sudan”, has been opened by the Director Luca Maestripieri and tackled the development strategies and the involvement of the private sector in cooperation activities.
Michele Morana, director of AICS Khartoum Office, introduced the works implemented in Sudan by the Italian Cooperation, whereas Francesco De Rosa and Fabio Monni, experts based in Khartoum, focused their intervention on strategies and investment opportunities in the country.
The last panel “Institutional donors and private profit actors in countries in transition: common interests and #investment #opportunities in #Sudan” introduced the investment opportunities in Sudan. African Renaissance Partners - 249 Startup -  DAL Group and CTC Group have participated.

July 14th 2022: Italian cooperation in Sudan: priorities and opportunities for NGOs

More than three years after the Sudanese revolution that led to the dismissal of President Omar al-Bashir on 11 April 2019, the concrete opportunities for democratic transition and economic recovery, widely supported by the international community, appear negligible today; for relevance and progress. The coup d'état of 25 October 2021 and the persistence of a very serious humanitarian crisis, largely forgotten, exacerbate the profound structural problems, of an economic nature and linked to internal conflicts affecting different regions of the country. Over the past twelve months, Sudan has observed the progressive flare-up of the protracted humanitarian crisis that has affected the country for over three decades and suffered the impact of the generalized destabilization of the sub-region of the Horn of Africa. The mixture of political instability and natural disasters that affects much of East Africa is particularly evident in Sudan: the arrival of over 60,000 Ethiopian refugees fleeing the Tigray conflict, the resurgence of inter-ethnic conflict in Darfur and the floods of exceptional gravity in the last 3 years, have forced over half a million people to abandon their places of habitual residence. With more than 1 million refugees and 3 million internally displaced people, Sudan is currently the fourth country in the world in terms of forced displacement . The dramatic overlap of the protracted humanitarian crisis and the current economic situation in which the combined effect of very high inflation (359% in 2021, the second highest inflation rate in the world), economic stagnation and financial measures to reduce the budget deficit, has further aggravated the living conditions of the population. The overall humanitarian situation represented by OCHA appears to be seriously deteriorating: 14.3 million people are in need of humanitarian aid (up 55% compared to 2019) and 9.8 million in food assistance (more than double compared to 2017).
In this scenario, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation has a portfolio of ongoing programs of over 100 million euros, divided into different sectors and supported by the widespread presence in the country, through five field offices and a coordination office in the capital Khartoum. With a view to expanding the audience of NGOs with which AICS collaborates in Sudan, and in consideration of the limited number of Italian NGOs registered in the country, the Khartoum Office, through this conference, intends to promote the registration of CSOs in Sudan, illustrating the operational scenario, the registration methods and the necessary requirements to be possessed to operate in the country in line with the provisions of the national regulatory framework

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Inauguration of the operating theatre at Port Sudan Teaching Hospital

The operating block at the Teaching Hospital in Port Sudan has been inaugurated.
The new block has three rooms, a delivery room with 3 beds and a labor room with 8 beds. The intervention has been implemented by OSC AISPO, present in Sudan since 2017, and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The hospital hosts about 30 daily deliveries.
The day ended at the Dem Mayo health center built as part of the EU funded project aimed at supporting refugees, migrants and host communities. AISPO took care of the rehabilitation and equipment of the center and provided training to the staff on the prevention of breast and cervical cancer
The center has catching area of around 5,000 people.
Pictures: before and after

14 -15 December 2022 – Bridging Gaps in Community Mental Healthcare: Towards a Shared Path for Mental Wellbeing in Sudan, Cameroon, Chad and Central African Republic

Last 14 and 15 December 2022 the conference “Bridging Gaps in Community Mental Healthcare: Towards a Shared Path for Mental Wellbeing in Sudan, Cameroon, Chad and Central African Republic”, organized by Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo and the Mental Health Department of Trieste #ASU GI, took place in a symbolic place such as the Teatrino Franca e Franco Basaglia, Parco Culturale di San Giovanni in Trieste.

The Conference gathered international practitioners from Sudan, Cameroon, Chad, and CAR who shared their contributions, from which it emerged that they all work towards the same goal: creating a functional, resilient, and highly reactive mental healthcare system. Great attention was paid to cross-cultural mental health conceptualizations and how to include them in local and international interventions and programmes. Michele Morana, head of AICS Cooperazione Khartoum con competenza per Eritrea-Camerun-RCA e Chad, stated “almost 50% of our budget is dedicated to interventions on the health sector, with a special attention to mental health”.
Ample space has been devoted to the stigmatization and social exclusion people with mental health conditions face, often preventing them from accessing treatment. The discussion continued on the relationship between modern and traditional medicine and the role traditional healers can play in early identification and intervention.
Representatives from the DSM Trieste have illustrated in detail the structure of the mental health department of Trieste, whose main characteristic is to put people first and whose services are firmly rooted in the community. “A delay in accessing appropriate care is one of the biggest challenges in the mental health sector“ has underlined Alessandra Oretti, Deputy Director of DAI DSM. The personalized rehabilitation and therapeutic project, a result of this person-centered approach, is a powerful tool to empower people with mental health problems, transmitting hope and optimism for the future.

The last day Dr. Alessandra Oretti concluded stating that “we had the opportunity to discuss different aspects, situations, and topics concerning mental health. These exchanges have confirmed the relevance of promoting an integrated multi-level approach, networking the different resources of individuals, families, and communities, but at the same time focusing on universal principles. This is the challenge today to address mental health issues in any part of the world, and even more so in countries facing such challenges with limited resources.”
"This conference represents an important starting point” reported Michele Morana, AICS Khartoum Director. “Interesting insights arose from the experiences of our international guests who presented the context of their own countries, difficulties, and potentials, showing their strong commitment and dedication. We listened to the stories of those struggling to de-stigmatise stereotypes and prejudices towards mental health, and of the emblematic experience of Trieste. I hope that this initial collaboration will pave the way for a joint work in collaboration with diverse actors from different backgrounds and countries for the launch of new initiatives in the field of mental health promoting the concept of Leave No One Behind” concluded the AICS Khartoum Director Michele Morana.

The conference has been the occasion to present the research "Assessment on access to primary mental health care in Kassala" aimed at analyzing the access to mental health services of the population in Kassala State.

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European Union and Italy: Launching of HealthPro project in North and South Darfur funded by the EU for a total amount of 15 Meuro

The EU funded project HealthPro targeting North and South Darfur for a total amount of 15 Meuro has been launched today at the presence of the Federal Minister of Health Dr. Osama Abd Elrahim, the European Ambassador Robert Van Den Dool the Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Vassallo and North and South Darfur Ministries of Health respectively Mujtaba El Tigani and Rehab.

The project in line with the EU humanitarian-development-peace Nexus Action approach in Sudan – fostering the transition from humanitarian aid to a sustainable health system - promotes durable solutions for displacement-affected communities and access to quality health services in target localities in North and South Darfur. The initiative strengths the different building blocks of the decentralised health system, sustaining democratic inclusion and community participation for a sustainable development.

The AICS Head of Office – Vincenzo Racalbuto – recalled that Sudan health services accessibility at community and facility level is still limited and less than 40% of the health facilities provide minimum health care package, maternal mortality rate is still unacceptable high and undernutrition can dramatically undermine the future productive generation of youth. It is, thus, against this challenging backdrop that EU-Italy and Sudan commit themselves. We believe that a sustainable and inclusive growth requires investment in the main component of human development, argued Vincenzo Racalbuto.

The initiative is a real contribution to stability during the present transitional process in Darfur. We are strongly committed to support our Italian and Goal partners to provide equitable accessible care to IDPs in their new residential areas and to host communities, echoed jointly the Ministries of North and South Darfur.

Life at the curve of the Nile

Tornai alla mia gente dopo una lunga assenza, sette anni per la precisione, durante i quali ero stato in Europa ad apprendere. Avevo appreso molto, e molto mi era sfuggito, ma quella è un’altra storia, l’importante è che tornai con dentro un’immensa nostalgia per i miei cari in quel piccolo villaggio sull’ansa del Nilo. 

E on line la pubblicazione “Life at the curve of the Nile”, rappresentazione teatrale promossa dall’AICS Khartoum, con la collaborazione dell' Ambasciata Italiana a Khartoum, del National Sudanese Theatre, del College of Drama della locale Univ. UMST e della PAC - Italian Theatre Association.

La rappresentazione teatrale si rifa' al romanzo di Tayeb Salih “La stagione della migrazione a nord” di Tayeb Salih, tra i più tradotti al mondo e a lungo vietato in Sudan.

Si racconta il ritorno a casa di un giovane dopo anni di permanenza in Europa e la sua difficoltà a reintegrarsi.

Per tutta la durata del viaggio assaporai la sensazione di non essere in nessun posto, di essere solo, davanti e dietro di me l’eternità o il nulla. [La stagione della migrazione a Nord, citazione pagina 48]

 

Italy sends a humanitarian flight to support Sudanese people affected by floods

A humanitarian flight – organized on the initiative of the Vice minister Emanuela Del Re - coming from the United Nations Humanitarian Emergency Response Center in Brindisi landed last night in Khartoum Airport with a cargo of 10 tons of emergency Non Food Items (NFI), notably consisting of blankets, family tents, kitchen sets, mosquito nets, jerry cam, squatting plate and latrines.

This humanitarian assistance initiative comes from the Italian Government to support the Sudanese Government who has declared for the next three months the State of Emergency, stated the Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Vassallo. Sudan over the past weeks has been affected by flooding and displacement leading the Government to declare a three-month State of Emergency in the country. 650,000 people have been affected by floods in 17 out of Sudan’s 18 states, and more than 111,000 houses were either destroyed or damaged, according to UN OCHA updates.

The living conditions of the population are terrible: drinking water sources have been contaminated and toilets damaged. The stagnant water is increasing the risk and spread of diseases such as watery diarrhea, malaria and typhoid fever.  The floods damaged 1,700 hectares of agricultural land and killed 5,500 heads of livestock aggravating the food insecurity in Sudan with part of the population facing a protracted crisis, underlines the Ambassador

The Director of the Peace and Humanitarian Assistance Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs -  Ambassador Hamad Hassan -  emphasizes the excellent and long-lasting relationship between Italy and Sudan and echoed thanks to the Italian Cooperation for the Humanitarian flight whose items will be distributed to the more needed people in the coming days.

The items will be taken in charge by a Sudan's Higher Committee-  composed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Social Development, HAC (Humanitarian Aid Coordinator) and other institutions – who will coordinate the operation of distribution to the most affected people.

Visit to DRR (Disaster Risk Disaster) interventions in Mayo funded by the Italian Cooperation

The Undersecretary of the Ministry Labor and Social Development, H.E Mohamed Elshabik, the newly appointed Commissioner General of Jabel Awlia Locality Ehad Asheem Ismail, the Italian Ambassador, H.E Gianluigi Vassallo and the head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Khartoum, Vincenzo Racalbuto, paid a visit to Mayo today, where Italy is implementing  several project aimed at easing the difficulties of the local population.

In those difficult days, where Sudanese people have been affected by heavy rainfall and floods causing the death of 110 people and affected more than 650,000 people across the country since July, it is imperative for us to show our support to those who are suffering because of this calamity and a more severe food insecurity” stated the Italian Ambassador.

The Italian cooperation is active in all the four areas in Mayo through different interventions with an overall amount of 4.850 million euros. In Mayo Angola, Maymouna School - hosting more than 350 students - has been completely rehabilitated with the support of Hope Sudan, a local NGO named; four channels and three crossing bridges have been realized and rehabilitated with the participation of Jabel Awlia Locality and the participation of the local community. The interventions are following the assessment made by the Italian Civil protection –CIMA research Foundation – last march aimed at assessing ponding-prone areas in Mayo and defining possible surface water disposal solutions.

The Italian Cooperation is deeply engaged in Mayo area and we will continue to support the most vulnerable people. In this framework we are working through DRR (Disaster Risk Disaster) approach: 1.800 jute soil sacks and 225 plastic cover have been distributed to the local population in the areas of Yarmouk, Gabboush, Angola and Mandella, channels will be completed within next week, and we are about to start the construction of a new school in Mayo Mandella using local material and a bottom up approach,” underlined Racalbuto, Director of AICS Khartoum

Alongside the visit to the channel and Maymouna School, the delegation visited the pediatric clinic run by the Italian Ngo Emergency and funded among other donors by Italy. The clinic offers fully free of charge pediatric care for children up to age 14, an antenatal/postnatal care and screening programme for malnutrition and basic hygiene rules. In Yarmouk area, within the Italian funded emergency programme, the Italian Ngo AISPO has installed rainwater tank to collect and store rain water runoff, typically rooftops via pipes.

The Undersecretary of Labor and Social development echoed thanks to Italy and the local communities for their commitment for Mayo, and highlighted that it is our joint duty to ensure and promote sustainable wellbeing for the most vulnerable population.

The Italian Civil Protection Department in Mayo

From March 1st until March 5th, the CIMA Foundation - Italian Civil Protection Center - has carried out a mission aimed at developing a Disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategy for Mayo.

The specific objective foreseen is to reduce disaster risk and damages caused by disasters by implementing the necessary response interventions before, during, and after the disaster period in a timely manner and with the involvement of all concerned actors, including communities and urban areas, a comprehensive disaster risk management system that concentrates on multi-hazard and multi-sectoral approaches shall be established by moving away from a disaster management system, which mainly focuses on provision of emergency relief assistance.

In particular, the project aims at:

  • slum upgrading actions at community level in order to improve the living existing conditions
  • enhance the capacities of the local authorities to proactively and rapidly help communities cope and be protected in the event of conflict and climate stress
  • support the local authority of Jabel Awlia and Khartoum institutions on strategies, policies, technical and operational issues related to the implementation of the Disaster Risk Management strategy of the Sudanese Government.
  • specific preparedness and early response intervention packages to prevent and mitigate disaster connected to floods and Wash and environmental risks

 

 

A day above Mayo: watch the video !

The Deputy Minister Emanuela Claudia Del Re inaugurates Yarmouk School in Mayo

During a visit to Khartoum, the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Emanuela Claudia Del Re, reinforced Italy’s support for education, peace and stability, and livelihoods in Sudan.

The Deputy Minister Foreign Affairs Minister inaugurated a new block of the Mayo Girls Basic School in Al Yarmouk’s Block 7 in Mayo, Khartoum State, and signed a new UNDP-Italy agreement – seeing a further €1.3M committed for peace and social stability projects in Khartoum State and South Darfur. The focus for this work will include job and community infrastructure creation, and peacebuilding.

Building on previous Italian support for the school, the newly inaugurated block includes eight new classrooms and rooms, three latrines, and drinking water stations - integrating into the school’s existing three rooms - for 1,800 students.

Speaking at the inauguration, alongside Sudanese and UNDP officials, Deputy Minister Del Re said Italy is committed to supporting education, as education is the best investment we can make to give a better chance to our children, and promote resilience to future radicalization and violent conflicts.

In her speech, the Deputy Minister recalled Paolo Dieci – who the school is named after – as an invaluable colleague who dedicated his life to international cooperation, lately as President of Link 2007, the Italian network of NGOs.

Alongside the school block inauguration, the Deputy Minister met with Mayo youth and women who have taken part in vocational training for leatherwork and commodity product creation, intended to develop livelihoods and new opportunities.

Deputy Minister Del Re was joined at the event by H.E. Lt. Gen. Ahmed Abdwn, Governor of Khartoum, and Let. Gen. Hussam Aldeen Mohammed, Jabel Awlia Commissioner.  The ceremony was attended also by the Ambassador of Italy – H.E Gianluigi Vassallo, UNDP Resident Representative Selva Ramachandran, and the head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Khartoum, Vincenzo Racalbuto.

The new school block, and vocational training, were funded by Italy in partnership with UNDP and the Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission. These and the new agreement are just a small part of Italy’s support for UNDP's work, specifically its Community Security and Stabilization Programme (C2SP) – which supports communities and people most at risk of becoming involved in conflict.

During the ceremony, UNDP’s Selva Ramachandran thanked Italy for their support. He also highlighted the success of C2SP, particularly its expansion to 55 more communities across Sudan, supporting greater results in community-level inclusive development, youth employment, displaced population support, and women’s empowerment.

The Governor of Khartoum echoed thanks to Italy and UNDP for their commitment to Mayo, and highlighted that it is our joint duty to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

AICS Khartoum in the front line against FGM in Sudan

In the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for #FemaleGenitalMutilation on 6th February, many were the celebrations organised to say no to #FGM in #Sudan and all over the world. #FGM comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and it is recognized internationally as a violation of the #human #rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted #inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls.

In Sudan about 86% of women have undergone #FGM. It is important since primary school to raise awareness among families, the community and girls about the serious consequences of mutilations, including a higher risk of maternal mortality during childbirth, bleeding during the practice and forms of #disabilities.

Inauguration of the Entrepreneur Hub at Kassala University

In the framework of the project “Fostering Inclusive Economic Growth in Kassala State Through Agro-value Chains Development and Access to Financial Services” financed by the Italian Government and implemented by UNIDO, on January 18th at Kassala University the Entrepreneurial HUB has been inaugurated in the presence of H.E the Governor of Kassala, Gen. Mahmoud Hamid, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kassala, Prof. Youssef Elamin, the Director General, Minister of Production and Economic Resources – Kassala State, Dr. Ali Mohammad Ali, the Ambassador of Italy Gianluigi Vassallo and the Director of AICS Khartoum Office, Vincenzo Racalbuto.
“Through the entrepreneurial HUB, UNIDO project is offering a set of non-financial services, whose main output will be a duly-prepared business plan; moreover, the University of Kassala will also provide constant technical assistance and follow-up, with the goal of strengthening the business and promoting its growth”, stated the Italian Ambassador.
Our goal – through the HUB – is to laying the foundations of a mechanism which has the long-term goal of becoming the center of any initiative aimed at supporting entrepreneurship in the State of Kassala, with no difference if it is promoted by public, private actors or technical cooperation projects, concluded Ambassador Vassallo.
Following the inauguration, the delegation has participated to a visit to the Department of Horticulture, Minister of Production and Economic Resources where almost 15 representatives of producers’ associations - among which 5 women associations - exposed their own products. “1,488 small-holder farmers cultivating sesame and horticultural products and fodder were financed by financial institutions under the support of UNIDO for the purchase of agricultural technical packages; UNIDO support has contributed to the employment of about 400 seasonal workers, increasing job opportunities in the targeted areas (wadi El Hilew, New Alfa and Kassala)” stated the UNIDO representative.
Ali Mohammad Ali, Director General, Minister of Production and Economic Resources – Kassala State thanked Italy for its continuous support in the Sustainable Development Sector and assure his commitment to achieve SDG 8 aimed at boosting economic growth by acknowledging high level of productivity and through technological innovation.

Italy and Sudan together for enterprises with high social impact: the launching of the 2nd MBA in Global Entrepreneurship

On November 30h, the launching of the 2nd edition of the Italian-Sudanese MBA in Global Impact Entrepreneurship took place at the University of Medical Sciences (UMST) in Khartoum with the aim of sustaining aspiring entrepreneurs to start up or scale-up businesses that combine economic profitability with high social and environmental impact.

Following the success of the first edition, the 2020 MBA Edition will benefit from the support of the E4Impact Foundation of the Catholic University in Milan, ALTIS (School of Business and Societies), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Italian Embassy in Khartoum and is funded by companies such as VueTel and CTC Group.

“The 1-year MBA – implemented between Khartoum and Milan – is based on two main cornerstones”, added the Italian Ambassador Gianluigi Vassallo. “On the one hand it boosts a generation of new entrepreneurs through the development of trainings, incubators and coaching activities, on the other it supports Sudanese entrepreneurs to be key actors of their future and to support their own country through new ideas and the promotion of social inclusion of the most vulnerable. What is not inclusive is not sustainable”, concluded the Ambassador.

The representative of AICS Khartoum Vincenzo Racalbuto recalled that, as for the past edition, the Italian Agency for Development cooperation – though TADMEEN initiative – will guarantee the full coverage of eight scholarship (for 6 women and 2 disables). Our goal is to be aligned with the slogan “Leave non one behind” and with the SDG #4 and #8 aimed at boosting education, inclusive socio-economic actions and access to financial services for all.

The Director of the programme dr. Fabio Petroni recalled the importance of promoting a portfolio of entrepreneurship programs in 11 African Countries with the aims of training entrepreneurs in order to support start-up and businesses growth.

Finally, the director of UMST Hassan M. Ahmed expressed his deep gratitude to Italian Institutions and E4Impact Foundation for supporting and investing into the courage of young Sudanese entrepreneurs, actors of the new Sudan.

Sudan step up efforts with health partners to fight against child malnutrition

The World Health Organization (WHO), Sudan Federal Ministry Of Health, and Italy launched the project of defining and implementing effective nutrition counselling and practices at primary health care level to reduce stunting and wasting in Sudan.

The project will be implemented by WHO in partnership with the FMOH through the generous contribution of €1,5 million euros granted to nutrition in Sudan by the Government of Italy.

“Italy is committed to strengthening the health care system and to fighting malnutrition in Sudan. Our Country is currently implementing - through AICS – a number of projects in the Health Sector equivalent to 62% of the total budget allocated to Sudan”, stated the Italian Ambassador. “As Donor Convener for the UN SUN Movement since 2017, we must explore new ways to embed nutrition in all relevant sectors ranging from health, to water and sanitation, education and social protection systems”. He added as well that improving health awareness and knowledge is just one, albeit crucial, step to start fighting malnutrition.

‘The road to nutrition isn’t straightforward, and there are many interconnected factors aside from food supply that must be addressed — including linking livelihood opportunities, engaging community members and education in a wider understanding of nutrition interventions”, concluded the Ambassador.

“The Federal Ministry of Health thank Italy and WHO for their continuous engagement in ensuring that children in Sudan, without exception, have access to nutritious, safe, affordable and sustainable foods,” said Dr.  Akram Ali Altoum, Federal Minister of Health in Sudan. “We again stress that the fight against malnutrition is one of the main missions of the Government of Sudan,” Dr.  Altoum concluded.

“WHO would like to acknowledge with appreciation the excellent and long-standing relationship with the Italian Government and in particular the efforts in the most vulnerable areas of Gedaref, Red Sea State, Khartoum and Kassala states,” said Dr Naeema Al Gasser, WHO Representative in Sudan and Head of Mission. “Sudan can overcome the nutrition gap by boosting agricultural production, community empowerment with particular attention to vulnerable groups, and by developing comprehensive national food composition tables with more focus on the traditional food to improve appropriate nutritional counselling messages,” Dr.  Al Gasseer explained.

Picture in the front made by Laura Salvinelli

Inauguration ceremony of the Nutrition Unit at the Teaching Obstetric Hospital in Port Sudan

On October 20th 2019, at Teaching Obstetric Hospital in Port Sudan, the Nutrition Unit funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) was inaugurated in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Alfatih Rabee, of the Governor of the Red Sea State, H.E. Hafiz Altaj, of the Italian Chargée d'Affaires Valeria Romare and of the AICS Representative Vincenzo Racalbuto, together with representatives of the Hospital. The Italian intervention provided equipment for 15 beds, one kitchen, 3 nutrition clinics, outpatient offices and an external area with veranda for cooking classes for nutrition and health promotion.

At the same time, the inauguration of rehabilitated Central Lab and of Pediatric Hospital (implemented by the Italian Ngo AISPO and University of Sassari, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and funded by AICS) took place. The commitment also included training workshops for nurses and pediatricians, the rehabilitation of 4 general wards, 2 neonatal and respiratory wards and connected facilities such as bathrooms, rest rooms and ambulatories.

“Italy is deeply committed in Sudan through a number of initiatives strengthening the health system: at the moment Italy is implementing - through AICS – a number of projects in the Health Sector equivalent to 62% of its total budget allocated to Sudan” stated the Italian Chargée d’ Affaires, underlying that Italy is deeply committed in the fight against malnutrition and to improve the health system in Sudan. Those interventions are in line with the Italian role as donor convener for the UN Programme SUN - Scaling Up Nutrition - aimed at prioritizing nutrition as central to national development and imperative to improve maternal and child nutrition.  All the efforts will be in line with the Strategy and the Roadmap (2016-2020) in order to achieve SDG #2 “Zero Hunger by 2030” he concluded.

The representative of AICS Khartoum stressed the importance of Sudanese ownership so as to guarantee the sustainability and success of all interventions. The Italian cooperation – he added – is committed in Kassala – Gedaref and Khartoum through a number of initiatives tackling hospital services improvement; primary health care development; and clinical quality.

The Governor thanked the Italian Government for the commitment in enhancing global health security in order to strengthen the response to the population’s needs.

The day has been the occasion to visit as well other AICS funded projects such as TADMEEN project. In particular, AICS has supported almost 60 women with the women prison through the sudanese Women Awareness Raising Group; the women counselling center Dar El Naim providing support and information session on GBV, maternal and infant health and family planning; the women association Al Raidat where 65 women have started micro-entrepreneurship activities through the use of dryers.

 

Closure of the regional workshop “Migration trends and common strategies. Lessons from the field”

AICS regional workshop “Migration trends and common strategies. Lessons from the field" held in Dakar from September 30 to October 2 has just ended.

The meeting, which brought together AICS African offices of Addis Abeba, Il Cairo, Maputo, Mogadiscio, Nairobi, Ouagadougou, Tunisi, Dakar, Khartoum and Rome’s thematic offices, has provided the opportunity to systemize AICS’ action in Migration and Development programming. The participation of the National Summit of Diasporas, of the EU Delegation, UNHCR, IOM, SDC and Reseau Ndaari allowed to frame the findings of the workshop within the broader international strategic frameworks relating to the Migration-Development nexus.

AICS, and particularly its African offices, operates in contexts where mixed migration flows of asylum seekers, refugees, IDPs and economic migrants are simultaneously factors of development and drivers of humanitarian needs. Acknowledging the complexity of operating in such scenarios, AICS aims to strengthen the effectiveness and coordination of migration-related programming through the adoption of operational guidelines on Migration and Development which will be developed in the coming months.

Italian Agency for Development Cooperation 

Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo -  Addis Abeba Office
AICS Cooperazione Khartoum con competenza per Eritrea-Camerun-RCA e Chad
Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Cairo Office
Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Dakar Office 
Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Maputo Office
Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Nairobi Office
Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Ouagadougou Office
Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo - Tunisi Office 

Community Theater in Khartoum: The life at the curve of the Nile

On September 18th in at Rashid Diab Arts Center in Khartoum, the Embassy of Italy in Sudan, the Italian Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, together with PAV, the Sudanese National Theatre and the College of Music and Drama della Sudan University of Science and Technology di Khartoum present the Community Development Theatre Life at the curve of the Nile inspired by a novel of Tayeb Saleh Season of migration to the North.
The goal is – though the Community Theatre - to promote awareness on Italian Cooperation’s priority sectors in Sudan among which
- migration/forced displacement,
- social inclusion
- gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The theater must be used to disseminates messages, sensitize communities about their objective and acting to better their condition. Community theater for sustainable development occurs through the process of using drama and comics to promote developmental values in a given community.
From the ancient times, theater have assumed a considerably potential role as a means employed to stimulate thoughts and to initiate community engagement on issues as diverse as health, education, awareness, ending violence against women and migration while transforming them into actual communicable forms that will help a community re-image its way of life.
The script – adjusted from the original version to nowadays - deals with:
- migration
- gender
Concerning the migration issue, the show is tackling the ‘DOUBLE ABSENCE’ of migrants – their absence within their host society and from their place of origin. This suggests that migration must be constantly legitimated by all concerned, often by economic needs, health or by humanitarian motivations.
Concerning the gender issue, the show is based on three main pillars:
a) the perceptions of European women in foreign societies
b) the FGM
c) the forced marriage
In theater there is a special license: the unsayable can be said, the hidden can be reveled people can cover and discover aspects otherwise overlooked and unknown.

Brochure

AICS supports families affected by heavy rains and flash floods in Mayo, Khartoum

In the last days of the city of Khartoum has been affected by heavy heavy rains: many neighborhoods became inaccessible, including Mayo, one of the poorest in the capital, with a population of approximately over 600,000 people.

AICS Khartoum - in order to support the area - provided 500 plastic tarpaulins for the families whose house has been destroyed by the water and has secured food for more than 1000 families affected by the humanitarian crisis.

The OCHA report on the humanitarian situation in Sudan has confirmed that following  heavy rains and floods of recent weeks, the emergency situation is becoming dramatic . It is estimated that the number of people affected is equal to 245,700, exceeding the 222,644 affected in 2017. The Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) reported 59 deaths related mainly to the collapse of buildings, while 32,581 structures were destroyed and 16,284 suffered serious damage.

Maps: click here

 

 

August 19th 2019: The Family Health approach in Sudan

On August 19th- a day after the signature of the Constitutional Agreement in Sudan – Italy has launched – in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Public Health Institute (PHI) – the first workshop on the family health approach in Sudan in the presence of H.E. Suleiman Abdalgabbar Abdullah Bakheit - Undersecretary of Federal Ministry of Health; Mr. Abd Elhakim H. Nugud - Director of the Primary Health Institute, H. E Fabrizio Lobasso, Ambassador of Italy in Sudan and Vincenzo Racalbuto, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Khartoum.

Italy is working together with Sudanese Institution in order to support the development of Health System: Italy is deeply committed in Sudan through a number of initiatives – also funded by the EU Trust Fund initiative - promoting the strengthening of health system in line with the Agenda for Humanity commitment “Leave no one behind” and in order to strive for the achievement of the SDG 3 “Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages” and ensure a real and sustainable development in the long medium-term. Today we are celebrating the kickoff of a new phase aimed at defying a Road Map in order to improve the Family Health strategy as a tool to achieve the Universal Health Coverage.

The workshop has been organised within the 5 M Euro initiative Dictorna, which is boosting the family Health approach model within the health centers across Kassala, Gedaref, Red Sea and Khartoum States in line with the country's National Strategy focused on extending the coverage of essential health services to the entire population, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups and marginal areas.

The family health is a people centered holistic healthcare approach that can greatly contribute to strengthening primary health care and improving the health of the population.

Arrival of an humanitarian flight in Sudan donated by the Italian Government

An humanitarian flight coming from the United Nations Humanitarian Emergency Response Center in Brindisi landed today in Khartoum Airport with a cargo of 10 tons of emergency surgical supplies, notably consisting of trauma kits; medical kits; medicines and hospital equipment.

This humanitarian assistance initiative comes from the Italian Government to a request made by the World Health Organization who is on the front line to provide urgent assistance to all the hospitals in Sudan, supporting national, following the violence occurred during last clashes in the country.

The humanitarian supply will contribute timely to the serious needs registered in the Sudanese hospitals, said Ambassador Fabrizio Lobasso. In most Sudanese hospitals, the conditions are critical, the health structures continue to suffer great pressure and all the medical staff face a severe shortage in medical supplies and an increase of wounded patients, underlines the Ambassador.

The WHO Representative in Sudan - Naeema Al Gasser - emphasizes the excellent and long-lasting relationship between the UN Agency and the Italian Cooperation. Thanks to this humanitarian flight we will be able to ensure our support in emergency unit at key hospitals in Khartoum and in States across Sudan closely working with Ministry of Health addressing immediate critical gaps, she added.

The medical health supplies will allow Sudanese hospitals to cope - at least in the short term – with surgical and traumatological needs, concluded Lobasso.

Watch Sudan News 25

AICS Khartoum takes part at the EDD 2019 #Think Twice – Address Inequalities

The main focus of the European Development Days 2019 - is Addressing inequalities: Building a world which leaves no one behind in line with the Sustainable Development Goal # 10 aimed at reducing inequalities within nations and the disparities according to the Agenda 2030.

The slogan Leaving No One Behind is one of AICS priority in Sudan.
The action of AICS is aimed at:

1. supporting the institutions in increasing the accessibility of public services;

2. developing  inclusive public policies through capacity building interventions and technical assistance;

3. supporting NGOs and civil society associations, combating the phenomenon of social marginalization and facilitating the process of participation in the life of the community.

AICS presented TADMEEN: TADMEN is about Social Inclusion, Human Capital Development, Protection of Vulnerable Groups within Migrants, Refugees and Host Communities in Sudan. The initiative aims to promote gender equality, social inclusion and protection of children and persons with disabilities to have equal access to goods and services by increasing resilience through activities of poverty reduction, shared prosperity and human rights in line with SDGs #4#5#8#10 for an equitable education, participation, and economic growth. Italy in Sudan implements projects aimed at strengthening resilience of the most vulnerable.

AICS Khartoum projects have been described through the use of a new video technology  which allows every single person to experience a 360° stereoscopic, full body, in motion, immersive experiences for virtual reality.

Wearing the headset, the protagonist can relate with other characters and objects that are an essential part of the story making the content engaging and full of interactions. Movements, gestures, and actions allow us to create effective links between various scenes in the storyline.

This journey around Sudan will last in your memory. This virtual experience will introduce the traveler to a colorful, vibrant, strong and intriguing Sudan.

Coming back from Sudan.... experiences

Minister Sergio Pagano, Deputy General Director DGCS-MAECI

Francesca Folda, Director Global Communication Amani Institute

Officials from ECHO & DEVCO

Olivier Enogo, Director Vox Africa

AICS Khartoum participates to the World Health Day in Sudan #HealthForAll

Campaign for the prevention of cervical cancer

Although cervical cancer is a largely preventable disease, it is one of the worst threats to women’s lives, indeed Cervical Cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, 570,000 new cases in 2018 representing 6.6% of all female cancer, and 266 000 women died of the disease, nearly 90% of them in low- to middle-income countries. Without urgent attention, deaths due to cervical cancer are projected to rise by almost 25% over the next 10 years.
The disease is easily preventable by simple and inexpensive screening (early detection and appropriate treatment). A significant drop in the disease incidence has been achieved in the developed countries as a result of extensive screening programs.
In Sudan the exact incidence of the disease is not known, around 833 cases are diagnosed every year, many else die undetected, a national program for cervical cancer screening is not yet available, and the disease continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality.
AICS in collaboration with Sudanese Ministry of Health and UNFPA took part in 2018 at the first technical working group established to write the national policy on cervical cancer screening and treatment program; in this occasion Soba Teaching Hospital has been selected as the National centre for the cervical cancer screening and treatment hub, responsible for training, quality control and research at Central and State level.
AICS supported Soba Teaching Hospital to establish the cervical cancer centre for screening, early detection and treatment and is promoting and strengthening the facilities network for screening and case management in the Eastern Region thorough the EU funded health project Strengthening resilience for refugees, IDPs and host communities in Eastern Sudanworth 12 MEUR.

 @WHOSUDAN

AICS Khartoum opens the doors of Al Huda prison in Khartoum

Two out of the fourteen teams in Al Huda prisons played a football game wearing Cagliari Calcio shirts.

The game has been done in line with the slogan Good Health, Good Sport, Good Life.

Positive energy and good vibes characterize the day at the presence of thousand of convicted  supporting either the Italian blue and red Team or the Sudanese green team.

Great Goal of Mattia Edallo, best player in the game!

 

 

Good health – Good sport – Good life: Street Children conquered by Cagliari Calcio

Sport is a tool for inclusion, participation and social gathering, as well as a tool for psycho-physical and preventive well-being. Moreover, it plays a fundamental social role as an instrument of education and training that allows the development of skills and abilities essential for an healthy development.

AICS Khartoum organized a football tournament - with support of the Sudanese Ngo Baladna - between 4 teams of Mayo Mandella district who played with sportswear donated by the the Sardinian Team and with the shoes donated by the generosity of some benefactors

The organized activity is in line with the AICS strategy in Sudan aimed at promoting health and social inclusion, integration and equal opportunities. Sport contributes significantly to economic and social cohesion and to a more integrated society.

An hour of play and fun to mark the goal "Good health Good sport Good life".

Italy and the Ministry Education promote the right of an inclusive education for all

On February 13th, H.E. Mashair Ahmed Alamin, Minister of Education, H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Osman Hamid, State Minister of Security and Social Development, Mr. Bdradeen Ahmed Hassan Mohamed, Secretary General, National Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Director of the Italian Cooperation Office in Khartoum, Vincenzo Racalbuto, open the workshop on inclusive education, organised in framework of Tadmeen Project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Inclusive Education means accessible environment in the schools; adoption of a no-rejection clause within legislation and inclusive pre-school programs and early intervention support in order to guarantee equitable opportunities to people with disabilities, stated the Minister of Education H.E Mashair Ahmed Alamin concluding that “education is the most powerful investment in our future”.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation recognizes that more work is needed to ensure inclusive education. Inclusion is embedded in all aspects of school life, and is supported by culture, policies and every day practices. All children deserve the opportunity to be in school and learn so they acquire the skills and knowledge to thrive regardless of their diverse educational needs, declared AICS Representative in Khartoum, Vincenzo Racalbuto. Italy has a portfolio of 9.7 M Euro in Social Inclusion initiatives aimed at “leaving no one behind”.

The Secretary General of the Council of Persons with Disabilities, from his part, recalled the relevance of the “nothing about us without us” approach, highlighting the importance of partnership and consultation of persons with disabilities in inclusion-related matters in Sudan, especially in education issues, because education is the most powerful investment in our future, concluded Mr. Bdradeen Ahmed.

Italy supports WHO for strengthening the Public Health Security in Sudan, complying to International Health Regulation 2005 (IHR-2005)

On February 11th, at the premises of the Federal Ministry of Health in Khartoum, the Minister of Health H. E Awathaf, the Ambassador of Italy, H. E Fabrizio Lobasso, the Representative of WHO, Dr Naeema Al Gasseer, the Representative of the Italian Agency for Development cooperation Office in Khartoum Vincenzo Racalbuto officially rehabilited five key entry points in al Galabt (border with Ethiopia), El Genina (Border with Chad) Argin, Ashkate, Halfa (border with Egypt) and delivered medical equipment in health centers in gedaref, Red Sea and Kassala and Western Darfur State States.

The intervention is part of the programmed funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by WHO aimed at strengthening the Public Health Security of people in Sudan, complying to International Health Regulation 2005 (IHR-2005).

The International Health Regulation is, since 2005, an international commitment for all WHO member States: its main objective is to protect the world population from any communicable disease. Its main pillars are surveillance and control. Sudan is a signatory Country of the IHR/2005 and the IHR is now part of Sudan national health policy and health strategies, stated the representative of WHO Office in Khartoum.

The program is the concrete sign of the Italian Government commitment in the health sector in which Italy is involved with approximately 40 initiatives for a total amount of 42 M Euro (2017-2019), added the AICS Representative Vincenzo Racalbuto recalling that last November six countries – among which Sudan - in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean and African Regions have signed the Khartoum Declaration on Sudan and Bordering Countries committing themselves to strengthening preparedness and response to public health threats and events across borders in an effort to further the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and enhance global health security. Italy is proud to support WHO in their effort in Sudan to support the alignment of the country to international Standard.

As you know – declared the Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Lobasso - Italy and EU are strongly engaged in Sudan to ensure the universal accessibility to quality health care for migrants and host communities. Social security and universal accessibility to primary social services is part of the Italian DNA and historical tradition. Moreover, in the present junction, when migration and migrants protection and right to access to global health care is at the top of the international debate, the IHR becomes a cornerstone for world population health security, concluded the Italian Ambassador.

Nutrition and hygiene campaign in the most vulnerable areas of Khartoum

The nutrition and hygiene campaign was organised by AICS Khartoum - in the framework of the III Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World - with three cooking classes days for mothers in the most vulnerable and isolated areas of Khartoum, Dar El Mustakbel, Mayo and Dar El Salam in Omdurman.

The courses for mothers were based on preparing high nutrient biscuits made with local and affordable products such as sorghum and peanut butter in order to improve the nutritional intake of children during the weaning period. The cooking classes were based on the slogan “Cook Safely, Eat Safely”.

The three days benefited from the support of Ovci who distributed the Kushery – perfect combination of pasta, rice and lentils combining Italian expertise with simple and nutrient food belonging to the Sudanese gastronomic habit – and Oxfam Italia who guarantee lecture on hygiene and food preparation. The cooking classes and the awareness campaign on nutrition and hygiene were organised in line with Italy’s role as Donor Conveners in the UN Scaling Up Nutrition Programme aimed at boosting SDG#3: Good health starts with nutrition. Without regular and nutritious food, humans cannot live, learn, fend off diseases or lead productive lives.

As last year, AICS Khartoum and the Italian Embassy in Sudan have worked together to promote development an Italian excellencies. C

Nutrition and hygiene campaign in Khartoum – December 3rd – 4th – 5th 2018

Italy and UN WOMEN: Launching of the programme aimed at enhancing women’s entrepreneurial capacity in Fisheries and Agribusiness in Red Sea State

Italy and UNWOMEN has signed today the technical agreement for the two-year project aimed at enhancing women’s entrepreneurial capacity in Fisheries and Agribusiness in Red Sea State, in particular in traditional area of intervention such as Port Sudan, Suakin and Mohammed Gool, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by the UN Agency.

The initiative wants to contribute to women’s economic empowerment and to support livelihoods through three main tools of intervention: introduction of new technologies to increase the productivity of women in fisheries and agribusiness; access to financial and non-financial services and promotion of women’s cooperatives and associations. The project will improve the competences of the women involved in terms of small business management and techniques of processing and commercialization of agri-business products, especially fish, a precious resource in the State of Red Sea. Moreover, the objective is to produce food with high nutritional content, especially baby food.

To boost the development of key agricultural value chains and market access are our main goal to support Sudan in its efforts to revive its agriculture, affirmed the Italian Ambassador, H.E Fabrizio Lobasso. Italy is committed in supporting women’s empowerment and gender equality and the UNWOMEN initiative is in line with our strategy. Women are the are key to agriculture and food security in Sudan. This project will close the gaps between men and women in their value chain, thereby creating new opportunities for the agribusiness and fisheries sector as a whole, concluded the Ambassador.

Women carry out a major portion of agricultural activities and bear almost the entire burden of household work, including water and fuelwood collection and food processing and preparation. Empowering women to play their active role in the production and enjoy the benefit is the most sustainable way to positively transform poverty and leave no one behind, said Adjaratou Fatou Ndiaye, UNWOMEN Country Representative in Sudan. Agriculture and fisheries can be an important engine of growth and poverty reduction and women are a crucial resource facing constraints that reduce their productivity.

Through this project Italy and UNWOMEN will boost gender-smart solutions in agribusiness in order to increase the sector’s productivity and profitability and lead to stronger, more integrated value chains.

Launching of the Project “Protecting and promoting the Sudanese Cultural Heritage in a social development prospective: Rehabilitating the Sudanese National Museum”.

On November 29th at the premises of the Sudan National Museum – the most comprehensive Nubian archaeological collection in the world giving a good narrative of Sudanese history – the ceremony for the signature of the Technical Agreement of the project “Protecting and Promoting the Sudanese Cultural Heritage in a Social Development Perspective: Rehabilitating the Sudan National Museum” funded by Italy and implemented by UNESCO took place.

The ceremony - in the presence of the State Minster of Cultural Heritage H.E Sumeia Okud, the Ambassador of Italy H.E Fabrizio Lobasso, the UNESCO representative in charge Mr. Aiman Badri and prof. Fantusati, from ISMEO – has been the occasion to present the astonishing objects preserved in the Museum from the Paleolithic through the Islamic period originating from every site of importance in the Sudan and to present the project aimed at rehabilitating and promoting the Museum as a symbol of the Sudanese Cultural Heritage.

The Ambassador recalled that Italian contribution to the protection of the cultural heritage is developed along two main guidelines: support for archaeological missions and an engagement, within a multilateral context, to achieve increasingly close co-operation in the Cultural Heritage sector. The technical agreement we are signing today is the evidence of the Italian commitment for the promotion of the Sudanese Cultural Heritage through a real NET between Italy – Sudan and UNESCO, concluded the Ambassador adding that cultural heritage is a key to unlock our enhanced understanding of life through the history, to promote inter-cultural communication, recognition, tolerance and peace.

The State Minister H.E Sumeia Okud warmly thank Italy, UNESCO and Prof. Fantusati who dedicated his life in excavation in Sudan supporting the reveal of the Nubian culture. The replica of the new stand of King Natakamani from Abu Erteilaq, donated by Italy reflects one of the treasures of Sudan highlighting the Nubian civilization that existed between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD.

Finally, Mr. Aiman Badri, representative in charge of UNESCO, stressed that the project will contribute to the education of youth, to the development of a common national identity enhancing the “social capital” which will positively affect the National Dialogue and the peace building process, to the tourist attraction of Sudan.

November 15th, 2018: European Union and Italy: Committed to strengthen health and WASH services delivery in Eastern Sudan

The Delegation of the European Union to Sudan, the Embassy of Italy together with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, reconfirms their leading role in health, sanitation and access to safe water by launching two projects - at the Sudan National Museum – the most comprehensive Nubian archaeological collection in the world - tackling migrants, IDPs and host communities in Eastern Sudan.

Fostering the quality of Primary and Reproductive Health Care, nutrition services and promoting the access to safe water and sanitation for the most vulnerable communities are the keys goals of the two initiatives in Kassala, Gedaref and Red Sea funded by the EU and implemented by the Italian Cooperation States for a total amount of 14 million Euros.

The two initiatives invest in capacity building and in promoting the community involvement and awareness raising on health risks and behaviors as well as encouraging hygiene and sanitation, in partnership with Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Water and Irrigation both at Federal and State levels.

Access to water, sanitation and health services in these areas is critically low. In addition, those areas affected by displaced population, flows of refugees have further reduced communities’ capacity to cope, resulting in an increased demand on the health services and an insufficient water supply, lack of access to drinking water sources and inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, stated the Italian Ambassador, Fabrizio Lobasso. Our main goal – he affirms – is to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of our actions. Italy will be accountable to the People of Sudan and we will work together with our counterparts in order to provide much needed health and wash care to vulnerable population by creating successful models that could be replicated all over Sudan. Our joint interventions are in line with the SDG’s 3 and SDG’s 6 aimed at respectively ensuring healthy lives and well-being at all ages and ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, concluded the Ambassador.

Ambassador Jean-Michel Dumond, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sudan, said that   the EU has been and is a major provider of humanitarian assistance to Sudan. The EU and its Member States agree with the Government of Sudan that we have to move towards more longer-term, development cooperation. In the European Union we call this the “Humanitarian -Development Nexus”. Sudan is a pilot country of the EU Humanitarian -Development Nexus. We are currently identifying new programmes in the context of the Humanitarian-Development Nexus and I expect we will conclude a new joint programme on health with the Italian Cooperation next year."

Click here to download the video realised by Michele Pasquale and Yassir Amir
Click here  to download the video realised by Alaa Satir
Click here to download the booklet of the projects

 

European Union and Italy: Launching of health, sanitation and access to safe water projects at the premises of the Sudan National Museum Sudan

October 11th, 2018: AICS Khartoum provides potable water to Al Yarmouk School in Mayo

Within of TADMEEN Programme aimed at supporting the social inclusion, human capital development and protection of vulnerable groups within the migrant, refugee and host communities, AICS Khartoum has rehabilitated the Al Yarmouk School in Mayo with the remaking of the floors, the installation of doors and windows, the installation of a tank for the supply of drinking water, and the distribution of school desks. The school of Al Yarmouk is attended by about 1.800 students distributed in 20 classes (about 100/120 students per class).

Next to the school, the construction of 8 news classrooms, 3 latrines and water points for drinking - by UNDP and SDD Commision in the framework of the C2SP programme funded by Italy - is almost completed. The new school will host a Women Community Center where community members will be able to access a public space to exchange their knowledge and to organize different kind of civic education programmes such as income generation projects and literacy courses that will support the revitalization of the community.
The school of Al Yarmouk is of primary importance as it will be carried out in a neighborhood with a high rate of school non-attendance and dropout, and isolation during the rainy season.

 

September 26th, 2018: Protect patients and colleagues: separate medical waste from urban waste

In the framework of the initiative AID 1821 "Support to the development of human resources in the health sector of the State of Red Sea" financed by AICS and carried out by AISPO and the University of Sassari, the month of September was dedicated to training courses realised at the Maternal Hospital in Port Sudan on hospitals waste management. There were 7 training courses for doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory workers, security personnel and cleaner for a total of approximatly 80 people.

Objective of the trainings was to increase the awarness on the correct hospitals waste management, in order to minimize the contact of uninfected materials with potential infectious sources and reduce the production of infectious waste, encourage the separation of medical waste and urban waste.

To this end, new waste bins - specially colored so as to be easily identifiable - were purchased. In October a second training will be organized by the Ministry of Health - Red Sea - on the hospital protocol for the management of hospital waste and transport to the area incinerator

September 29th, 2018: Italy and Sudan together for enterprises with high social impact: Launching of the 1st MBA in Global Entrepreneurship

On September 29th, the launching of the 1st Italian-Sudanese MBA in Global Impact Entrepreneurship in Khartoum took place at the University of Medical Sciences (UMST) with the aim of training young African entrepreneurs in business management and administration with particular attention to social development and solidarity.

The initiative foreseen, in the particular, partnership with the E4Impact Foundation of the Catholic University in Milan, ALTIS (School of Business and Societies), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and is co - financed by Italian companies such as VueTel, Ascot, Leonardo-Selex, and Sudanese companies as Capital Radio 91.6.
Key speaker of the event has been the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce H.E Abdelrahman Youssif who expressed his deep gratitude to Italian Institutions for this unique initiative never realised before in Sudan.

The MBA is a 1-year business – implemented between Khartoum and Milan - aims at supporting active and aspiring entrepreneurs to start up or scale-up businesses that combine economic profitability with social and environmental impact. The master wants to boost a new entrepreneur’s generation through the development of trainings, incubators and coaching activities.

The representative of AICS Khartoum Vincenzo Racalbuto – recalled that six young Sudanese women will benefit of 6 scholarships awarded within the TADMEEN project aimed at promoting the rights and the socio-economic inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and the most vulnerable groups in line with the Sustainable Development Goals # 8 and with the strategy of the Italian Cooperation in Sudan aimed at boosting inclusive socio-economic strengthening and improving access to financial services.

September 10th, 2018: Training for midwives of the Hamashkoreeb community

At the Saudi Hospital in Kassala, the five-day training course on the use of the 10 community midwives (CMW) of Hamashkoreeb and River Atbara was carried out as part of the IHSVP Delegated Cooperation program.
The training was very successful because for the first time the women of the Hamashkoreeb community were allowed to leave the village.
Once a month, the Italian cooperation team in collaboration with the CMW Head of State and the Doctor who performed the training, will go to the hospitals of Hamashkoreeb and River Atbara (Arab 6) to follow up the activities and assist the midwives. Two ultrasound scans were donated.

September 6th, 2018: Approval of the programme for the protection and enhancement of the Sudanese cultural heritage

With Resolution 72 the Joint Committee approved the contribution in favour of UNESCO for the realization of the program of protection and enhancement of the cultural heritage of Sudan with a view to support social development. The program is aimed at the rehabilitation of the National Museum of Sudan, which, with its rich collection, testifies to the presence of civilizations rich in culture that have inhabited and characterized the history of the country from the Palaeolithic era to the X century after Christ.

The objective of the initiative is to enhance the only museum structure present and active in the national context. The re-development of the museum will ensure the start of innovation processes in the cultural sector of the entire country as well as economic development linked to the improvement of the capacities of relevant institutions in the field of planning and management of cultural events, heritage and in the tourism industry of the country.

With a turnover of 100,000 tourists per year, the Khartoum museum - built in 1955 and opened in 1971 - houses the largest and most complete Nubian archaeological collection in the world, including artefacts from the Paleolithic period to the Islamic period from important archaeological sites in Sudan.

Some of the interventions that Italy will finance in favor of UNESCO are to re-design, according to good practices of contemporary museography, an innovative exhibition layout that facilitates the museum visit; carrying out ordinary maintenance works of the building envelope and services; the restoration of the frescoes of the 9th and 13th centuries from the Nubian churches and saved during the UNESCO Savage Champaign mission in 1977; and finally the digital cataloging of 100,000 artifacts stored for more than 40 years to avoid illicit trafficking in museum material are just
The project also provides specific training courses for the Museum staff, so that it is able to support the promotion plan and cultural activities at the Museum itself.

August 28th, 2018: Sesame has germinated and is growing luxuriant

It has germinated - and it is flourishing! As part of the multilateral program financed by AICS "Development of agricultural supply chains and access to credit for inclusive economic growth in the State of Kassala" (AID 11259), UNIDO offers 350 small-scale farmers, dependent exclusively on rainwater, a "technical package" (high yield seeds, modern fertilizers and mechanized services) for the production of about 700 feddan (300 hectares) of sesame.

Farmers, almost all of whom had never had access to credit, were able to purchase the "technical package" thanks to a loan of around € 85 per feddan, offered by a local microfinance institution, Kassala Microfinance Institution, and partially guaranteed by UNIDO, through an associations of local producers.

Furthermore, farmers will be offered constant and timely technical assistance, from sowing to harvest, scheduled for November: UNIDO has formed the agronomist team of the Ministry of Agriculture which, in turn, are implementing the so-called "farmers" 'field school' (30 sessions in total) and monitor the growth of sesame every day.

 

August 15th, 2018: second distribution by AICS Khartoum of non-food items in Mayo following heavy rains

With the intense rains of the last days, which follow the already abundant ones at the end of last July, the already catastrophic situation that is affecting the Sudanese populations of the State of Kassala, West Kordofan, El Gezira and Sennar has severely worsened.

The latest evaluation of the absolute priority needs, updated to August 13th by the IFRC, estimated over 45,000 people directly affected and about 9,200 houses damaged or completely destroyed by the torrential rains and subsequent flooding. The damage caused by floods to roads, bridges, and to essential health services as well as to the waste water drainage network, with a high risk for foreseeable health consequences, is very high.

The serious situation in Mayo (one of the poorest areas on the outskirts of Khartoum with a population of about 300,000 displaced) continues, where heavy rains have caused 36 victims, the destruction of 21,500 homes and 68 schools, the majority of housing of mud have literally "melted" leaving the inhabitants without any shelter. AICS Khartoum had already intervened last August 1st with the distribution of food items such as sugar, flour, lentils, oil, and powdered milk and continued with the distribution of NFIs such as blankets and tents in favor of the affected communities

July 29th, 2018: Signature of the Technical Agreement for data collection on nutrition in Sudan

On 29 July 2018 at the Federal Ministry of Health of Khartoum, the Technical Agreement was signed on the collection of nutrition data according to the S3M (Simple Spatial Survey Method) meditative. The Italian contribution – 100,000 Euros - is part of a wider contribution made available by EU, DFID, UNICEF and WFP.

The survey, which will be completed by December 2018, will be a valuable tool for both the Sudanese government as well as International partners, as it will gather up-to-date data on the nutritional status and other Sudanese health variables that will enable policy makers and international donors to develop better policies and strategies based on Sudan's priorities and needs.
Following the great results obtained during the first S3M survey, the second survey will collect and disseminate disaggregated data on multiple indicators related to key determinants of malnutrition in children, pregnant and lactating women.
The survey will be carried out at national level.
With 2.2 million undernourished children under the age of 5, strong mobilization is urgently needed to contribute to the reduction of malnutrition in Sudan: this survey will provide assured equity in programming and in the allocation of resources.

The meeting was an opportunity to remember the role of Italy as Donor Convener of the SUN movement in Sudan and its role in ensuring the implementation of efficient and sustainable actions in line with the Strategy and the Roadmap (2016- 2020) in order to reach SDG 2 "Zero Hunger by 2030".

 

August 14th, 2018: Participation of AICS Khartoum at the National Congress for the approval of the national plan for global health security

AICS Khartoum participated in the Congress, organized by the Ministry of Health, for the approval of the National Plan for Global Health Security, based on the indications and recommendations of an external evaluation team from WHO - EMRO.
The "National Action Plans for Health Security" is the prelude to the implementation of the definition and implementation of the "International Health Regulation" and "Health Risks and Hazard" Protocols.

The approval of the first National Plan that incorporates the principles of global health security, able to respond promptly to the risks of public health, regardless of it nature and origin, has great relevance for Sudan, a crossroad of migration flows coming from all over the Horn of Africa.
The congress was chaired by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isameldin Abdalla, and saw the participation of WHO delegates and the WHO Sudan Mission Leader Dr. Naheema Al Gasser, representatives from all departments of the Ministry of Health and Institutions and Authorities in charge of ensuring safety standards in area such as environmental risks, epidemics, management of chemical and radioactive substances, monitoring and border control for people and goods.

The Under Secretary and Dr. Naheema have repeatedly emphasized the appreciation of the AICS contribution as a member of the Committee for the definition of the National Program of International Health Regulation through funding of 1 Million Euros to the WHO (AID 11110). Equally appreciated was the continuous collaboration assured in the management of health emergencies (especially during the recent cholera epidemic) and the national "Health Surveillance for Infection Control" program realized with the AID 11002 Emergency Programme, which involved 7 States in order to guarantee a timely transmission of data from sentinel structures to higher structures.
The recognized commitment of the Italian Cooperation to these health issues - in line with SDG 3, is part of the AICS Office in Khartoum strategy to ensure the Right to global health in contexts where there is great fragility and therefore the greatest risks of serious epidemics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foto credits Laura Salvinelli

August 2nd, 2018: Signing for the start of the two-year Master’s Degree in Family Medicine within Dictorna Project

As part of the collaboration between AICS and the Sudan Ministry of Health, the signing ceremony for the start of the two-year Master in Family Medicine - in the context of the AID 11188 DICTORNA initiative - which will involve 300 new graduates in medicine from the States of Kassala, Gedaref, Red Sea and Khartoum.

The master will contribute to the strengthening of the Family Medicine system with the aim of integrating this professional figure in health centers.
The activity is part of the effort that AICS is carrying out in Sudan to strengthen the PHC in line with the National Strategy and SDG 3.

23rd July, 2018: Delivery of Diplomas to 25 participants in the “Peace Building and Conflict Resolution” course in Mayo

The ceremony for the delivery of 25 diplomas took place community of Jabel Awlia, in Mayo. The diplomas were distributed to the 17 men and 8 women who took part in the "Peace Building and Conflict Resolution" course organized by the NGO HOPE in the framework of the C2SP project funded by AICS and implemented by UNDP.
The course has trained women and young people on issues such as peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution through the do-no-harm approach that identifies and mitigates the risks of exacerbating conflict and recognizes opportunities to contribute to positive change.

The training course is part of a more ambitious program that involves the entire Mayo area - characterized by a high population density as well as Internally Displaced Persons and refugees - aimed at strengthening the function of the Popular Committee and conducting comprehensive training for the capacity building in project management and monitoring, financial management, vocational training and literacy.
The C2SP program aims to pursue activities aimed at developing peace and social cohesion in the States of Khartoum and Blue Nile, in line with SDG 4 and 8, which promote fair and inclusive education, and lasting inclusive and sustainable growth for all.

Khartoum – Fight against malnutrition, Italy leads the SUN network alongside local institutions

Khartoum - as part of the Scaling Up Nutrition - SUN Movement, the Donors' network met at the AICS offices in Khartoum on June 12th. In addition to Italy, which plays the role of Donor Convenor in the country, the Delegation of the European Union, ECHO, USAID, Norway and the Netherlands were also present.
The meeting took place next to the SUN Donor Convenors’ workshop which took place on June 8th in Lilongwe, Malawi, and whose goal was to make the fight against malnutrition the cornerstone of the political agenda of countries with high rates of malnutrition.

The challenge seized by Donors was to act as true partners, leaving full ownership of the institutions of the countries involved to become promoters of their own development. During the meeting, the serious food insecurity that is affecting Sudan was placed at the center of attention, where 3,5 million are at risk of malnutrition.The SUN Donor Network has therefore questioned how to contribute to the political discussion with the Sudanese institutions in a proactive manner and to promote effective interventions in response to the crisis that is exacerbating the living conditions of the most vulnerable sections of the population.

The SUN Movement was launched in 2010 to boost the global fight against malnutrition and inspire Governments, civil society, the UN, Donors, the private sector and the academic world to find new solutions to the problem, in line with in line with objective 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals. The SUN's thematic pillars are the role of good nutrition as a driver for human development and inclusive economic growth, the elimination of hunger and the achievement of food security. In addition, the problem of overweight and obesity is given ample attention, which, like malnutrition, must be tackled urgently as it also represent a serious public health problem, even in the middle and low income countries.
The Italian Cooperation plays the role of SUN Donor Convenor in Sudan in full continuity with Italy's special attention to these issues, as evidenced by major international events such as the 2015 Milan Expo, the Taormina G7 in May 2017 and the International Summit on Nutrition and Food Safety of Milan, last 4 November.
Sudan National Nutrition Strategic Plan 2014-2025

 

 

July 8th, 2018: Signing of the contract between Italy and Blue Nile Drinking Water Corporation for the rehabilitation of the water network at El Roseires

The ceremony for the signing of the contract between the AICS and the Blue Nile Drinking Water Corporation on the supply of hydraulic equipment was carried out on July 8th at the DDR Commission in Khartoum, to ensure the correct implementation of the El Roseires water system in the State of Blue Nile. The event was attended by Vincenzo Racalbuto, Head of Office in AICS Khartoum, Abdulrahman Mohammed, Director of the Blue Nile Drinking Water Corporation, and Salah Altyaib Awad, General Commissioner of the DDR.
The intervention is in line with the SDG 6 aimed at ensuring universal access to safe sources of drinking water and adequate sanitation

The rehabilitation interventions identified are the following:
• Supply and installation of 5 electric pumps;
• Rehabilitation of the city tank;
• Dismantling and rehabilitation of water facilities in the Soba district;
• Supply and installation of 15 valves.

The signing of the contract is part of the Technical Agreement signed last April 2018 between the Ministry of Public Services, the Water and Environmental Sanitation and the DDR Commission, with the aim of ensuring a functional and reliable supply of safe water to the communities of Eddamazin and El Roseries, where the demand for water has increased in the last years to almost 5,000 cubic meters per day.

The Commissioner General of the DDR expressed his appreciation for the excellent Italian competence in the sector, underlining that this project will benefit the communities suffering from water scarcity.
The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Infrastructures thanked Italy for its continued support and renewed the invitation to continue the collaboration to meet the needs of the country.

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June 28th, 2018: Transfer of activities between the NGO Emergency and CUAMM to Complexe Pediatrique di Bangui (CPB)

On June 29th, 2018 at the Complexe Pediatrrique of Bangui (CPB) there was a ceremony for transfer of activities between the NGO Emergency and CUAMM, which from July 1st will perform the technical work in the Hospital of one of the poorest countries in the world, where the war of recent years has caused thousands of deaths and about 1,2 million refugees and IDPs. Part of the Emergency team will continue to operate in the pediatric clinic now dedicated to the treatment of chronic diseases (active since 2009) and in support of the National Center of Transfusion (CNTS).
The ceremony saw the participation of S.E. the Minister of Health and the Population Mr. Pierre Somse, the Deputy Director of the Field Operations Department of Emergency Emanuele Nannini, the Director of the European Cooperation Paolo Curradi and the Director of AICS Khartoum Vincenzo Racalbuto. It was noted that the success of the operation is the result of a partnership that has seen the contribution ofthe Italian Cooperation, the European Commission, the United Nations, ACF (Action contre la Faim) and private funds of Emergency, managing to ensure the complete gratuity of the care in these years.
Italy has always been at the forefront in supporting the health sector in CAR and continues to do so thanks to interventions aimed at strengthening the national health system, to improve access to health, train qualified personnel, provide specialized and quality care. The Director of European Cooperation affirmed that from 2014 to date, the funds allocated to the health sector in CAR have reached the quota of 90 million Euros and were disbursed through the FED (European Development Fund), the Trust Fund Bekou and ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation).

May 7th, 2018: TADMEEN – Social inclusion, human capital development and protection of vulnerable groups within migrant communities, refugees and host communities, launched

The launch ceremony of the three-year project TADMEEN - financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation - was held on May 7th in Khartoum. TADMEEN: Social inclusion, human capital development and protection of vulnerable groups within migrant communities, of refugees and hosts - aims to promote the Rights and socio-economic inclusion of disabled persons, women and the most marginalized groups, in line with the SDG 4, 5, 8 and 10 that encourage quality education, equitable and inclusive, gender equality, decent work for all and reduction of inequality.
Italy, in collaboration with Sudanese Institutions and Civil Society Organizations, has always worked to promote inclusion and respect for the most marginalized groups, playing a propulsive role because disability must be considered as a natural condition to be approached with the purpose of increasing respect for ourselves.

The Italian Cooperation promotes - as described in the recent Guidelines on Disability and Social Inclusion and on Guidelines for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment - the mainstreaming of the concept of disability and gender equality and empowerment in International Cooperation. In Sudan, AICS has 6,7 million Euros in initiatives aimed at strengthening equality, inclusion of vulnerable groups, gender equality and women's empowerment by strengthening the capacities and skills of the Sudanese public administrations.

May 6th, 2018: Inauguration ceremony of the semi-intensive Therapy Unit and of the operational unit of nutrition in Port Sudan

The opening ceremony of the semi-intensive and nutrition therapy Units that were rehabilitated through an intervention by the NGO AISPO and the University of Sassari, took place on May 6th at the University of Obstetrics Hospital in Port Sudan. The rehabilitation, which strengthened the operational capacities of the largest Red Sea State Hospital, were carried out as part of the project "Support to Teaching Obstetric Hospital in Port Sudan to tackle the malnutrition of pregnant women, young mothers of children under the age of five and their children".
The initiative - lasting 9 months for the value of 350 thousand Euros - offered a training course on nutrition issues, the KAP method (Knowledge Attitude and Practice), and equipment for semi-intensive therapy involving 65 local health workers between gynaecologists, nurses and midwives. The intervention also saw the rehabilitation of two spaces for the hospitalization of patients with nutritional problems, which allowed an increase in number of beds, and the improvement of two rooms for semi-intensive therapy with filter area, nursing control station, porches and drains that will guarantee the reduction of the risk of infections. The availability of preventive and therapeutic drugs and treatment aids such as iron and folic acid, vitamins A and D, K, iodine, have also been strengthened. As a whole, the program has reached over 12,000 beneficiaries among pregnant women, new mothers and their children under 5.
Italy is at the forefront in the fight to tackle malnutrition in pregnant women, young mothers and children under 5 and to improve the Sudanese health system so that the majority of the population can be guaranteed access quality health services. It was also recalled that the Nutrition Operative Unit is in line with the role of Donor Convenor of Italy in the Scaling Up Nutrition - SUN movement, a global movement born in 2010 to boost the fight against malnutrition aimed at contributing to the implementation of Objective 2 of the Agenda 2030, namely "Ending hunger, achieving food security, improving food and promoting sustainable agriculture".

April 17th, 2018: Laying the foundation stone of the Women’s School in the framework of the UNDP C2SP project

Jabal Awlia is one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Mayo, Khartoum. In the framework of the UNDP C2SP project funded by the Italian Development Cooperation Agency, the foundation stone of the Women's School was laid to consolidate resilience, social cohesion, the creation of job opportunities and the prevention of possible forms of youth "radicalization".
The project involves the construction of a school of eight classes that will be added to the 13 existing classes of the only school in the Al Yarmouk district (Mayo);
Inside, it will be able to host a Community Centre for Women as a meeting point and exchange of know-how for income generating activities that will have a positive impact on the wider community.
The school will guarantee inclusive, fair and quality access, in line with Italy's commitment to pursuing the fourth objective of the Sustainable Development Goals: education for all.
Through this school the Italian Cooperation promotes gender equality and the fight against violent extremism as well as phenomena of possible radicalization among young people, with the support of the Community Management Committee (CMC) established ad hoc within the project. In Mayo Italy also supports the Hospital managed by the NGO Emergency, who strive to prove services for the poorest members of society such as free treatments and contributes to the fight against malnutrition. Where there is need for peace-building, Italy is there and will always be there.

Click here for UNDP news

 

April 3rd, 2018: Signing of the Technical Agreement between Italy – Ministry of Public Services – Water and Environmental Sanitation and the DDR Commission

The signing of the Technical Agreement for the construction of water infrastructures in the Blue Nile State between the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, represented by its Head of Office Vincenzo Racalbuto, took place today at the Headquarters of the Sudanese Ministry of International Cooperation, with the Minister of Public Services Abdedlmoneim Alnezir and the Commissioner General of the Disarmament and Rehabilitation of former combatants (DDR), General Salah Alyaib.The ceremony was also held in the presence of the Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Lobasso, the Wali of the State of Blue Hussain Yasseen and the Minister of International Cooperation, Idriss Suleman.
The signing of the Agreement - as part of the humanitarian aid initiative funded by AICS - is the first step for the construction of wells and water networks in favour of the communities of Eddamazin and El Roseries, in the State of Blue Nile, which do not currently have access to drinking water.
The aim of this intervention is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitary conditions for all, in line with the SGD 6. The initiative concerns a region on its way to complete peace and in which it is possible to increase Italian efforts. Helping the people of Blue Nile will contribute to establishing an environment that is prone to progress and harmony. Water projects will facilitate peace, particularly in high-density pastoral areas. Sudan urgently needs to bridge Sudan's severe water deficit by investments of at least a billion dollars.

March 8th, 2018: International Women’s Day in Khartoum

March 8, 2018: International Women's Day in Khartoum
On the occasion of the 8th of March, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Khartoum celebrated the International Women's Day in collaboration with Al Neelain University. The day focused on the slogan #PressforProgress to celebrate women's social, political and economic achievements and focused on sensitive themes such as health, economic development, leadership, environment, Gender Based Violence and education.
In particular, this year AICS Khartoum organized a group game based on a quiz on the abovementioned themes for University students. The aim was to obtain a score sufficient to earn the pieces of a puzzle that were going to compose the final inscription #PRESSFORPROGRESS. The winning group was GBV.
The celebrations were an occasion to also remember the role of Italy in Sudan and the commitment to promote the active participation of women in society by combating all forms of discrimination. Italy invests more than 6 million Euros in initiatives aimed at supporting the elimination of socio-cultural barriers that impede fair access to equality and equity of Rights, economic empowerment and access to credit as well as the Right to health.

Click here to download the brochure

 

 

February 27th, 2018: Bridging the Gap: Italy, Spain and EU in Sudan for the inclusion of people with disabilities

The launch ceremony of the European programme “Bridging the Gap: inclusive policies and services to guarantee the equality of the rights of people with disabilities", took place in Khartoum.
The initiative - funded by the EU and co-funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and coordinated by FIIAPP (Spanish Cooperation) - promotes the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in five medium-and-low-income countries including Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Paraguay and Sudan.
In Sudan, AICS Khartoum is responsible for the implementation of the activities and focuses on universal access to work in line with the provisions of Art. 27 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The initiative aims to strengthen the skills and competences of public administrations and support organizations of people with disabilities, and to promote the mainstreaming of the concept of disability in International Cooperation consistently promoted by the slogan "nothing about us without us".
Upcoming events: a training for the promotion of self-employment of women with disabilities or mothers of children with disabilities in the State of Gedaref, and a study for the development of a database on the offer and job request that includes people with disabilities in the country.

Guidilenes on disability 2018