By Otto Abut
United Nations staff in Bor, Jonglei State, marked United Nations Day on Monday through a blood donation drive at Bor State Hospital and an outreach programme at St. Andrew’s High School, focusing on saving lives, empowering young people and promoting peaceful communities.
The blood donation campaign aimed to address critical blood shortages at Bor State Hospital, where the lack of a dedicated blood bank continues to hinder timely emergency medical care.
Dr. David Tor Biar, Acting Medical Director at Bor State Hospital, underscored the importance of voluntary blood donation, noting that the lack of a blood bank leaves the facility without a readily available supply of blood for patients in need.
“Due to the absence of a blood bank, there is no readily available blood to save lives,” Dr. Biar said, highlighting the urgent need for voluntary blood donation to support life-saving medical interventions.
As part of the celebrations, UN staff also visited St. Andrew’s High School, where they engaged students through career guidance, personal experiences and messages of resilience, encouraging them to remain in school, pursue their ambitions and contribute positively to South Sudan’s future.
The school outreach also addressed issues affecting young people, including early and forced marriage and substance abuse. The discussions highlighted the importance of protecting children, promoting informed decision-making and creating opportunities for young people to realise their full potential.
Mohamed Satti, Head of the World Food Programme’s Bor Field Office, said the activities reflected the United Nations’ commitment to supporting local communities and inspiring hope among young people.
“This is part of our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve, instilling hope in the future of this nation,” Satti said.
He emphasised that engaging directly with students was essential to encouraging young people to take an active role in building a peaceful future for South Sudan.
The activities highlighted the United Nations’ broader commitment to humanitarian service, community engagement and youth empowerment, demonstrating how collective action can address immediate community needs while contributing to long-term development.
Through the blood donation drive and educational outreach, the UN family in Bor reaffirmed the values of solidarity, volunteerism, and community service, marking United Nations Day with practical initiatives aimed at saving lives, inspiring the next generation, and fostering peaceful coexistence.