Local youth steal nutrition supplies in Kapoeta East health facility

Local authorities in Kapoeta East County are still searching for a group of youth who reportedly stole 59 cartons of nutritious food items at a health facility in Namorupus Boma last week.

The incident occurred on July 13.

The items are made to support children experiencing acute malnutrition in the area. The Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a nutrient-packed peanut paste, treats children with Severe Acute Malnutrition.

The Kapoeta East County Health Director is urging community members to cooperate in identifying suspects.

“The youth particularly Ngilibatom stormed into the store and went away with everything…I don’t know how they broke it [store]. A part from the food items, there were other two other cartons, registration book and treatment cards. When they realized that the cards, they burnt them all,” said Joseph Lotira Iko.

He stated that they are working with an organization called Andrea Food South Sudan to trace the suspects. The organization has meanwhile suspended its activities in the area until the matter is addressed.

“The elders in some of the villages were told that the people who are involved in robbery of health facility should pay the items in term of a bull and goats. They accept that under the condition that the government sent organized forces to monitor it,” Lorika revealed.