Stories
September 18, 2025 • 2 min read
When conflict forced his family to flee Khartoum, Sunday was born in displacement in Babanese, South Sudan. Within months, he fell ill with malaria and moderate acute malnutrition. With treatment and supplementary feeding provided through GOAL’s nutrition programme, supported by the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), he made a full recovery.
The conflict in Sudan has displaced millions of people, with many crossing into South Sudan under challenging conditions. Families arrive with few resources, limited access to food, and little or no means of income. In Babanese, where services are overstretched, malnutrition rates remain high among children under five. GOAL, supported by the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF), provides life-saving nutrition services through Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programmes (TSFP), ensuring that children at risk of severe malnutrition receive treatment and follow-up care.
Displacement and Survival
Sunday and his parents fled Khartoum during the Sudan crisis and settled in Babanese. With no resources and unable to move further due to a lack of transport, the family struggled to meet their daily needs.
“I gather and sell firewood, and work on people’s farms to get food,” explained Sunday’s mother, Umjuma Abdallah. “My husband also burns charcoal and works on farms so that we can eat.”
A Child at Risk
In a few months, Sunday developed fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea and was diagnosed with malaria and moderate acute malnutrition at the Babanese Health Clinic. These conditions can quickly become life-threatening if untreated. She was referred to GOAL’s Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programmes, where she received Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) as part of a recovery treatment.
Recovery and the Way Forward
Over six weeks of treatment and follow-up, Sunday received ready-to-use supplementary food that steadily helped her regain strength. Her weight increased to 6.9 kg, and her overall health showed significant improvement.
“My child is well now. She is happy, drinks, and plays again,” said Umjuma. Sunday’s recovery was the result of the combined efforts of her mother, health workers, and GOAL’s nutrition team. To prevent relapse, Umjuma emphasized the importance of connecting vulnerable families with Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) programmes so they can sustain access to nutritious food and reduce future risks.
