The Catholic Organization for Peace and Development (CODEP) on Tuesday donated essential medicines, soaps, and large water containers to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Riimenze Boma, Bangasu Payam, under Yambio County, Western Equatoria State.
The support, delivered at Riimenze Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU), aims to improve health, hygiene, and disease prevention among vulnerable families affected by displacement and limited access to medical services.
During the handover, Fr. Charles Mbikoyo, the Director of CODEP, said the donation reflects the Church’s ongoing mission to stand with communities in times of hardship and ensure that no one is left behind in humanitarian response.
“As the Church, we are called to heal, serve, and bring hope to those who suffer,” Fr. Mbikoyo said.
“Many families here have endured months of displacement and uncertainty. This support is not only about medicine it is a sign of solidarity and love from the Church for the people of Riimenze he added.”
However, the CODEP’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Mamu John, explained that the initiative also included a cholera awareness campaign, designed to strengthen preventive measures and encourage proper hand washing practices among residents.
“We have seen the growing risk of waterborne diseases due to overcrowding and poor sanitation,” Mr. Mamu said.
He further says. “By combining medicine, hygiene materials, and health education, we are helping the community to protect themselves and build resilience.”
The intervention comes as Riimenze continues to host over 800 displaced persons who fled from Nadiagere Payam in northern Yambio County earlier this year following insecurity and political instability that erupted after the removal of former Western Equatoria State Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba in February 2025.
One of the displaced residents, Maria Lino, expressed deep gratitude to CODEP for coming to their aid, citing that.
“We have been struggling to access medicine and clean water since we fled our homes, now, with this support, we feel remembered and cared for,” she said.
Peter Samuel Undore, a member of the host community, said the Church’s intervention has brought hope back to Riimenze boma of Bangasu Payam under Yambio County.
“We are grateful because both the displaced and host families are suffering. These medicines and soaps will help us prevent diseases and live in better conditions.”
Fr. Mbikoyo reaffirmed CODEP’s long-term commitment to peace building and humanitarian assistance across Western Equatoria, urging other organizations to step in and complement their efforts.
“Our message is clear peace and development go hand in hand,” he emphasized. “When health improves, hope returns, and communities can rebuild their lives with dignity.”
Local authorities described CODEP’s initiative as timely and life-saving, especially at a moment when health facilities in remote areas like Riimenze face acute shortages of medicine and basic supplies.CODEP continues to partner with local parishes and humanitarian actors to promote peace, health, and resilience among vulnerable populations across Western Equatoria State.
