Background:
South Sudan has some of the world’s poorest health indicators, including a maternal mortality ratio of 1,150 per 100,000 live births and a contraceptive prevalence rate of just 6%. In Magwi Payam, cultural norms, myths, and misconceptions discourage modern family planning. Many believe contraception causes infertility or birth defects, while early marriage remains common—52% of girls marry before age 18, and teenage pregnancy rates are as high as 28%. Limited awareness and gender inequality further restrict access to reproductive health services.

About the project:
This project aimed to increase knowledge and acceptance of family planning in Magwi Payam. It trained 116 Boma Health Workers (BHWs) to provide counselling, administer short-term contraceptives, and refer clients for long-term methods. Community engagement included meetings with chiefs, religious leaders, and youth groups; household visits; radio talk shows; and school-based health education. Three local primary health care centres provided support, and efforts were made to form male champion groups to help shift norms.

Results:
Awareness of family planning significantly improved at both household and community levels. Trained BHWs began delivering services and referrals, with ongoing follow-up. While some challenges persisted—such as resistance to male involvement and myths about contraception—the project laid a strong foundation for scaling up rights-based family planning in a fragile, post-conflict setting. It directly contributes to SDGs 3, 5, and 10.