Support To Sustainable Returns (SSR)May 2005 - December 2005 The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the government of Sudan and the SPLM/A raised the hopes and expectations of war-weary citizens of immediate peace benefits, especially related to security, basic services, and the redress of previous and longstanding inequities. The CPA provides the opportunity for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to return to their former areas of residence following up to two decades of displacement. For many IDPs, especially those who sought refuge in northern Sudan, it is probable that they have reduced natural resistance to endemic disease, especially malaria. The SSR project provides access to a basic preventive health measure: mosquito bed nets. The increased availability of mosquito bed nets will help to prevent debilitating diseases like malaria and Khalazar among vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children. Thirty-six thousand small mesh Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LLINs) mosquito bed nets (which repel both mosquitoes and sand flies) have been procured and will be transported to 13 Sudanese partner NGOs and community-based organizations in 18 counties in south Sudan. The project will benefit an estimated five (5) persons per household receiving a bed net. Pact's approachPact is using a community-based approach working through accountable local organizations to provide the mosquito nets to the most vulnerable households. Local authorities, community leaders, IDP representatives, and Pact will together lay out a plan for effective distribution, which will then be carried out by a Sudanese implementing partner. Each partner will be equipped with behavior change communications tools and training to better effect proper and consistent use of the nets. Interim results
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