Stories
June 19, 2026 • 3 min read
In Renk County, families facing displacement and poverty are now reaching health facilities that once lacked basic supplies and medicine. At Abayok and Payuer Primary Health Care Centres, EU-funded support through GOAL has brought reliable medicines, clean water, trained staff, and integrated nutrition and hygiene services to the frontline.
In Renk County, access to quality healthcare remains critical for communities affected by displacement, poverty, and limited public services. For many families, particularly mothers and children, obtaining timely medical care can be difficult due to shortages of medicines, inadequate health infrastructure, and limited access to trained healthcare workers. To help address these challenges, GOAL, with funding from European Union Humanitarian Aid and in partnership with local health authorities, is strengthening healthcare services at facilities including Abayok Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) and Payuer Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU).
Limited Access to Essential Healthcare Services
Before support was provided, community members often faced significant barriers to accessing healthcare. Health facilities lacked adequate supplies, medicines were not always available, and many families struggled to receive the care they needed.
Imani John Chol remembers those challenges well. She had been visiting Abayok PHCC even before the permanent building was completed.
“I used to come here when the facility was new, but the service was limited and sometimes there were no drugs,” she said. “Now it is bigger, medicines are available, and when my child became sick, we came here for treatment. My child is now well.”
For vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and people living with disabilities, accessing healthcare was particularly difficult. Distance, limited services, and shortages of essential supplies often placed additional burdens on families already facing hardship.
Expanding Health, Nutrition, and Hygiene Services
Through EU support, GOAL has strengthened health service delivery at frontline facilities in Renk. The intervention has included improving infrastructure, ensuring the availability of medicines and medical supplies, supporting health workers, providing training and mentorship, and integrating nutrition and hygiene services for vulnerable households.
At Payuer PHCU, pregnant women now have access to antenatal care, nutrition services, and supplementary food support. Awadia James is among the mothers benefiting from these services. “I come here for ANC and nutrition services, and I also receive supplementary food support. I am happy the facility has water, which is very important for mothers like me.”
She also recalled receiving hygiene items distributed through the programme. “There was a time we received buckets, soap, and hygiene kits. These are essential for families, and I am very grateful to GOAL and the donors for this support.”
Alongside direct services for community members, healthcare workers have received training and mentoring to strengthen the quality of care provided.
According to Koang Nyang Rek, Facility In-Charge at Abayok PHCC, the partnership between the government, GOAL, and EU has significantly improved healthcare delivery. “This facility has really served the people of Abayok. We have seen many positive changes, especially in medical supplies and staffing support,” he said.
He added that more than 20 staff members have benefited from training and on-the-job mentoring in key areas including antenatal care, Management of At-risk Mothers and Infants (MAMI), and clinical management of rape. “These trainings are crucial because they strengthen our skills and help us provide better care to the community.”
Improved Access, Better Health, and Renewed Hope
The improvements at Abayok PHCC and Payuer PHCU are making a tangible difference in the lives of community members. Families can now access treatment, maternal healthcare, nutrition services, medicines, and hygiene support without travelling long distances.
For Imani, the impact is reflected in her child’s recovery and the confidence that care will be available when needed. “I want to thank GOAL and EU. Without organizations supporting this facility, it would not be easy for us to access medical care.”
For 22-year-old Soona Jima, who lives with a disability, having a healthcare facility nearby has been life-changing. When her child, Emmanuela Sebit, developed malaria and a high fever, she was able to seek treatment immediately.
“My child received treatment and recovered. Because the facility is near, it is much easier for me to access services,” she said. “I also appreciated receiving hygiene items like soap and buckets.”
Across Renk County, strengthened healthcare facilities are helping ensure that mothers, children, and vulnerable families can access life-saving treatment, nutrition support, and dignified care when they need it most.
