Empowering Vulnerable Children: The Hayatna Project in South Sudan
The US Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael Adler, and USAID South Sudan Mission Director Kate Crawford, recently announced a groundbreaking initiative to support orphans and vulnerable children living with HIV in South Sudan. Named Hayatna, meaning “our lives” in Arabic, this project signifies a significant investment in the well-being of the country’s most at-risk populations.
Hayatna is a five-year endeavor that not only focuses on providing healthcare support to children and adolescents living with HIV but also offers income-generating activities and life skills training to vulnerable young women. This dual approach aims to improve both health and economic stability in the region.
During the project launch, Ambassador Adler highlighted the unwavering commitment of the US in assisting the South Sudanese people. This initiative will work closely with local organizations to reach out to those in need, including survivors of violence against children, with the goal of enhancing HIV and health outcomes and ensuring children can thrive in a safe environment.
By integrating economic opportunities for vulnerable populations, the Hayatna project seeks to create sustainable improvements in the lives of South Sudan’s most marginalized communities. This initiative continues the legacy of the US Government’s efforts through PEPFAR, which has been instrumental in combating HIV and providing crucial support to vulnerable families and young women across the nation since 2007.