South Sudan

Strengthening One Health Systems for the Protection of Health and Livelihoods (1-SHOP)

Goal: Enhance the resilience of pastoralist communities against animal diseases, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance, while strengthening livelihoods via sustainable livestock practices.

Target Groups: Pastoralist communities, women, and Community Animal Health Workers.

Where: Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan

Duration: March 2024 - March 2026 (2 years)

The Situation

South Sudan faces significant challenges, with 62% of the population experiencing acute food insecurity, compounded by climate change, conflict, and a lack of basic services. The country's pastoralist communities, particularly in Torit County, rely heavily on livestock for their livelihoods but are highly vulnerable to animal diseases, zoonotic disease outbreaks, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These issues are exacerbated by weak veterinary services, poor animal husbandry practices, and limited access to livestock extension services, especially for women.

What We Are Doing

From March 2024 to March 2026, the 1-SHOP program is focused on building the resilience of pastoralist communities in Torit County against animal diseases, including zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our key objectives are to:

• Increase the adoption of a One Health approach at the household level to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with zoonotic diseases and AMR.
• Establish community-level systems that support the prevention, detection, and response to zoonotic diseases and AMR risks.
• Develop community-based systems that enhance livestock productivity and strengthen livelihoods.

Key Activities

Establishing One Health Teams (OHTs): Four OHTs will be formed to identify zoonotic disease risks, promote community awareness, and develop community action plans to mitigate these risks.

Participatory Risk Assessments: Conducting assessments in four payams to identify key animal health issues, zoonotic disease risks, and antimicrobial use practices, with a focus on generating actionable insights for the community.

Gender-Sensitive Awareness Campaigns: Implementing campaigns to raise awareness of zoonotic diseases and AMR risks, using community meetings, radio spots, and educational materials.

Training Women in Livestock Product Management: Training 80 women leaders in the safe handling, processing, and preservation of livestock products, as well as WASH practices, to reduce zoonotic and food-borne disease risks.

Increasing Livestock Management Capacity: Training 400 goat recipients on best practices in livestock management, zoonotic disease prevention, and AMR reduction through farmer field schools.

Community-Based Surveillance Systems: Developing and testing a community-based surveillance system to enhance early detection and response to zoonotic disease outbreaks.

Infrastructure Investments: Co-designing and rehabilitating community infrastructure to support disease prevention, such as slaughterhouses and water points.

Strengthening CAHWs: Training, mentoring, and equipping 20 CAHWs to deliver animal health services, and facilitating the establishment of a CAHW association to ensure long-term service delivery.

Goat Donation Scheme: Launching a goat donation program in four payams, using a revolving fund model to support vulnerable households and promote sustainable livestock practices.

Project Targets

• 12,274 farmers (indirectly benefiting 73,644 households)
• 20 Community Animal Health Workers (30% women)

Sustainability

The 1-SHOP program aims to establish sustainable community-based systems that are integrated with national strategies in South Sudan. By training local actors, enhancing community infrastructure, and building strong local partnerships, the project ensures long-term impact and resilience.

Human Rights

The project adopts a rights-based approach, empowering women and marginalized groups to take active roles in One Health activities. By addressing gender inequalities and improving access to resources, 1-SHOP promotes health equity and community well-being.

Gender Equality 

The 1-SHOP program integrates gender-responsive strategies across all activities, ensuring that women are actively involved in decision-making and benefit equitably from project interventions. The program includes specific training and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing gender disparities in livestock management and disease prevention.

Environmental Sustainability

The project promotes sustainable livestock practices and environmental conservation, including climate-resilient animal husbandry techniques and community-based infrastructure investments that reduce zoonotic disease risks and support long-term environmental health.