Thanks to an MAF flight and Medair intervention, a young girl’s critical case of malaria and malnourishment was treated after her family was displaced due to severe conflict in South Sudan.
Story by Suzie Anyuat Williams
When violent conflict broke out in Akobo County, Jonglei State, it severed the vital lifelines connecting thousands of vulnerable families to the rest of the country. For over two months, severe access restrictions meant no aid could get through, leaving over 200,000 displaced people trapped in an escalating humanitarian crisis. Homes were looted, water systems were destroyed, and healthcare facilities collapsed.
For 20-year-old Nyatong, a mother of three, the conflict forced her into a distressing journey of survival out of South Sudan.
"In Ethiopia, it was very tough to survive," Nyatong said. "There was no food, no shelter, no beds or blankets. We had to sleep outside under trees."
Exposed to the harsh conditions, her 12-month-old daughter, Nyalam, contracted malaria and became severely malnourished.
"When I saw my child was sick, I was very worried and I thought she might die," the mother said.
Without air transport, our operations are very much impacted. The challenge with roads is we're coming in out of the wet season.
For mothers like Nyatong, the arrival of Medair’s emergency medical response with MAF meant the difference between life and death.
She brought little Nyalam directly to the newly supported stabilisation centre, holding onto a final shred of hope that the doctors and nurses could heal her child. Inside the centre, Nyalam received round-the-clock medical treatment, therapeutic feeding, and dedicated care. The nurses ensured both mother and baby were fed, safe, and supported throughout the recovery process.
"It is really critical that we got those stocks in because it enables the stabilisation centres to open,” Richard said. “Young children from one month to five years are placed in stabilisation centres where they're exceptionally malnourished.'
“They can be turned around very quickly, but we needed that equipment into Akobo as soon as possible because it literally saves lives."
Over the following days, Nyalam’s fever went down. Her energy returned, and she began gaining weight. By the time she was discharged, the frail baby who had arrived on the brink of survival was transformed into a healthy, smiling child.
"She has gained weight and improved. It is better than before we came here," a relieved Nyatong shared, her eyes bright with hope. "I am excited about the recovery. I am very happy with the treatment that was given to my daughter and the support that I received."
Without MAF, reaching remote and vulnerable communities in South Sudan during times of acute crisis would be nearly impossible.
The trusted partnership between MAF and Medair has been very important. Time and again, MAF has offered services and that's enabled us to continue our operations but also remain flexible and agile as our operational requirements change.
By keeping the skies open and ensuring responders like Medair can land where the need is greatest, MAF plays a vital role in every life saved, every child restored to health, and every family given a second chance.