South Sudan: Integrated Public Health Rapid Assessment in Akobo East, Akobo County, Jonglei State (July 2025)

SUMMARY

Akobo County, in northeastern Jonglei State, shares borders with Nyirol, Uror, Pibor, and Pochalla counties within Jonglei; Ulang County in Upper Nile State to the north; and Ethiopia to the east.1 In March 2025, the County experienced significant population movements due to conflict in Nasir and Ulang counties, as well as the return of South Sudanese from Ethiopia. The eastern payams of Bilkey, Dengjok, and Gakdong host the majority of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, many of whom face severe food insecurity and limited access to basic services.2 Chronic food insecurity and high rates of malnutrition persist, with the April 2025 IPC analysis classifying the county as Phase 4 (Emergency).3 Health and nutrition services are overstretched, and logistical constraints hinder the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Between 17 and 27 July 2025, REACH conducted a mixed-methods assessment in Markath (Bilkey), Nukta (Dengjok), and Thokwath (Gakdong), targeting three population groups: returnees from Ethiopia and Sudan (arrived within the past 12 months), IDPs from Nasir and Ulang (arrived since March 2025), and the host community. Primary data collection included 347 household surveys, 14 key informant interviews (KIIs), and direct observations. KIIs were conducted with community leaders, members, and implementing partners. The household survey employed a two-stage stratified random sampling approach, aiming for 110 households per stratum, with proportional distribution across sites. The sample provides localised, representative results but is not generalisable to all of Akobo County.

[[{"type":"media","fid":"107221","view_mode":"default","instance_fields":"override","link_text":"reach_ssd_report-iphra-akobo-east_july-2025.pdf"}]]