By Aguok Chok

The African Christian Ecumenical Alliance (ACEA) has launched a new project in Abyei aimed at supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community, including refugees, returnees, host communities, women, girls, youth, and men.

The project, officially introduced on Monday, places special emphasis on improving access to emergency healthcare. One of its first major activities involves training nine applicants in basic emergency obstetrics and newborn care at Wau Hospital in Western Bahr el-Ghazal State.

Speaking during the launch event, Aluel Minyiel, the Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in the Abyei Administrative Area, expressed strong support for the initiative. She encouraged local leaders to work hand in hand with ACEA to ensure the success of the project.

“We will always cooperate when called upon,” she said. “Support the organization to effectuate substantial outcomes.”

The event drew a wide cross-section of participants from both development and humanitarian organizations. Representatives from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Save the Children, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), ACAD, and CEF were present. Other institutions in attendance included the UNISFA Community Liaison Office, UN Police, the Union of Persons with Disabilities, traditional authorities, youth groups, women’s associations, and the Rural Rehabilitation Committee.

The gathering served as both an introduction to ACEA’s new project plans and a platform to strengthen collaboration between the organization, local communities, and government stakeholders.

Madame Regina, ACEA’s Area Project Coordinator, spoke about the organization’s continued efforts in addressing gender-based violence and child protection. She noted the establishment of four women and child-friendly centers, including the Mading Achueng facility in Awolnhom, as well as others in Abyei Municipality, Nyinkuach, and Amiet Market.

“These achievements were made possible through strong partnerships with women and local communities,” she said.

As the project gets underway, ACEA’s work in Abyei stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable.