Medair’s Lifesaving Mission in Leer

A Neglected Crisis

The plight of the people of South Sudan rarely makes international headlines. Media attention is usually focused on other crisis areas, as is the case now. The resulting funding shortages are forcing humanitarian actors, including Medair, to scale back their response with a heavy heart, while the needs of the population continue to increase. This makes South Sudan one of the worst humanitarian dilemmas of our time. And amidst the harsh reality of the climate crisis, South Sudan is being further torn apart by violent conflict as you read this.

In Leer in the centre of the country, this double-edged sword of natural and man-made disasters wreaks havoc on the lives of its residents. Greater-than-usual flooding related to climate change sweeps away crops and homes, while in the dry season, conflict displaces countless families. Stripped of their livelihoods, these families are forced to rebuild their lives far from home under gruelling conditions, lacking even the most basic necessities.

In this grim landscape, Medair stands with the most vulnerable in Leer. We are on the ground, offering life-saving emergency assistance in healthcare, nutrition, and water and sanitation services.

The story of Nyamuch and her son Majok is just one of many that illustrate the profound impact of our work in South Sudan, where nine million people of a population of 12.4 million require humanitarian assistance and two million people are internally displaced.

Nyamuch’s Trek to Hope

Nyamuch and Majok made a one-hour trek to reach one of Medair's healthcare clinics, their closest and only point of access to medical care. After the fighting in their village, their home was destroyed, their livestock stolen, and their way of life obliterated. Nyamuch is still haunted by the trauma, mourning the life they lost.

"Our lives are completely changed. We have no income, no home. We depend on food aid from UN agencies to survive. Without the free treatment here, I wouldn't have any medical care for my child. Since we were displaced, we suffer from strange illnesses we never had before," Nyamuch shares, her voice filled with sorrow.

It is a stark reality for Nyamuch and her family. The fighting forced them to flee their village with nothing much more than the clothes on their backs. For Nyamuch, the trauma is not just in the loss of her home and livelihood but in the daily struggle to survive in a new, harsh environment.

Despite these hardships, Medair's clinic has been a lifeline. Nyamuch has brought Majok here multiple times, always receiving effective care from our dedicated team.

"Today, Majok fell ill overnight with diarrhoea and a cough. Every time we've been here, the treatment has worked well, so I came today knowing he could be helped," the mother explains.

In South Sudan, diarrhoea can quickly become life-threatening for young children without prompt treatment. Yet, with the right care, it is easily manageable. Nurse William, experienced in treating acute watery diarrhoea, reassures Nyamuch. "I prescribe Majok an Oral Rehydration Salt and Zinc Sulfate. With this medication, he'll recover quickly. Please make sure he drinks plenty of fluids, and Majok will be fine," he instructs.

Nyamuch's relief is palpable. "I am so grateful for the medical treatment here," she says, her eyes welling up with gratitude. "This clinic is a lifeline for our entire community. The next nearest facility is much further away and would cost us more to reach. I am sure God will reward you for your great work and service to the people here."

Critical Support for a Resilient Community

The daily reality for families like Nyamuch’s in Leer is a testament to the resilience and strength of the people in South Sudan. Yet, it also highlights the critical need for humanitarian aid and the essential services organisations like Medair provide. Each day, we witness the transformative power of healthcare, not just in healing bodies but in restoring hope and dignity.

Nyamuch’s and Majok’s story is a powerful reminder of the critical role Medair plays in these remote, conflict-affected regions. So far this year, our team has treated more than 5,000 children under the age of five for common illnesses at our health facilities in Leer. The support of our generous donors enables us to continue providing life-saving care to those who need it most. Together, we can bring hope and healing to the most vulnerable in South Sudan.

Our compassion continues to drive us to serve with empathy and care in challenging times, understanding the unique threats faced by each individual. We uphold the dignity of those we assist, treating everyone with respect and recognizing their inherent worth.

Being a neutral and independent organisation allows us to operate in conflict-affected areas like Leer, providing aid based on need alone, without taking sides. We remain inspired to persevere in our mission, offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity. And through all our efforts, we aim to bring joy, seeing the smiles on the faces of those we help as a testament to the positive change we create.

Every story, like that of Nyamuch and Majok, underscores the vital importance of our work. Amid conflict and crisis, Medair stands firm, guided by our core values and driven by a profound commitment to making a difference. With your help, we can continue to save lives, restore health, and bring hope to the heart of South Sudan in times of an international funding crisis. Your support is not just a donation; it is a lifeline for families like Nyamuch’s, offering them the chance to heal, to hope, and to thrive once again.

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Medair healthcare services in Leer are funded by USAID, UNICEF, WFP, SSHF/OCHA, and generous private donors.

This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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