Two Malnourished Children Abandoned at Iceme Health Center in Oyam

Two severely malnourished children were abandoned at Iceme Health Center III in Iceme town council, Oyam district, last Monday.
The two young girls, ages 3 and 5, were brought from Awio parish by a woman who claimed to be their aunt. She later disappeared, leaving the children unattended at the facility.
Beatrice Akulu, a health worker at the facility, said the children were first brought to Iceme Health Center III last week but were referred to Aber Hospital for inpatient nutrition management. Due to their parents’ separation in July, no one was caring for the children, and their uncle and aunt were not interested in taking them in.
Akulu said the health workers were trying to locate the children’s close relatives, including clan leaders and local leaders, to provide effective support. They also contacted the police’s child and family protective unit in Oyam, who assured them they would follow up on the case.
Akulu added that earlier this year, another malnourished child, a baby girl, was brought to Iceme Health Center III and abandoned. An organization from Gulu city later took the child in. This makes three children under the age of 5 who have been abandoned at Iceme Health Center III this year, primarily due to their parents’ separation.