Stories
July 17, 2025 • 2 min read
In GorAyak, South Sudan, a new health initiative led by GOAL, CHD, and the State Ministry of Health is improving access to essential services. Funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid, the project supports the GorAyak Primary Healthcare Unit (PHCU), which now serves thousands who previously struggled to access health care.
GorAyak, located in Twic County of South Sudan’s Warrap State, is a remote and flood-prone area marked by vast open plains and clay-rich black cotton soil that becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season. Seasonal flooding, which typically occurs between May and October, isolates communities by submerging roads and cutting off access routes, severely hindering the movement of people and humanitarian aid. Healthcare access becomes a major challenge during this time, as the few available health facilities are either unreachable or overwhelmed.
Strengthening Health Services
Since October 2024, GOAL has partnered with the Community Health Department (CHD) and the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) in South Sudan to implement a project focused on addressing health service delivery gaps in hard-to-reach areas. The initiative complemented GOAL’s broader health system strengthening efforts, especially in regions vulnerable to seasonal flooding and isolation.
Serving the Community
GorAyak has become a reliable access point for health and nutrition services, serving a growing number of residents. Before this project, many community members had to travel long distances on foot through floodwater or rely on canoes for urgent medical needs. Now, services are available locally, and patients feel supported by attentive staff.
“Now we get all basic services timely. The staff are friendly and caring,” says Mr. Ariech Deng Deng, the local chief of GorAyak.
Ongoing Monitoring and Community Involvement
On July 7, 2025, a joint visit to the facility brought together representatives from GOAL, CHD, and local health officials to assess progress and reinforce shared goals. These visits support quality improvement, enhance transparency, and encourage direct dialogue between health workers and the communities they serve.
Although progress is visible, GorAyak remains at risk of isolation during the rainy season, when flooding can disrupt supply chains and access routes. Community leaders are calling for proactive measures, such as prepositioning supplies before the rains begin.
“We are grateful for the support that we have been receiving. The only request I make to GOAL is to preposition more health and nutrition supplies ahead of the rainy season,” Chief Ariech urged.
