Stories
October 21, 2025 • 2 min read
When 30-year-old mother Nyapot Doll brought her malnourished and feverish daughter to GOAL’s nutrition center in Terkidi Refugee Camp, she feared the worst. Her child Nyatit, was diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition and malaria. Through timely medical care, nutritional support, and counselling, both mother and daughter regained health and hope. Today, Nyapot continues to prioritize her children’s wellbeing, drawing strength from the services that have supported her family.
GOAL provides essential health and nutrition services across three refugee camps in the Gambela region of Ethiopia, offering life-saving care for vulnerable children and families through the generous support of the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).
A Mother’s Struggle Against Malnutrition and Illness
After fleeing conflict in South Sudan, the 30-year-old Nyapot Doll has spent years raising her seven children in Terkidi-2 Refugee Camp. Life in the camp is challenging, and many children fall sick.
On June 25, 2025, Nyapot arrived at GOAL’s nutrition centre carrying her 34-month-old daughter, Nyatit Cham, who was weak, feverish, and barely able to eat.
“She’s always sick, and I’m exhausted,” Nyapot told the nurse quietly.
An immediate assessment showed that Nyatit had severe acute malnutrition, malaria, and anemia. She was pale and lethargic, requiring urgent treatment.
Swift, Compassionate, and Coordinated Care
Recognizing the critical condition, GOAL’s health team arranged for an ambulance transfer to the Stabilization Centre at nearby Terkidi-1 Camp. There, medical staff treated Nyatit for malaria, managed her anaemia with iron and folate supplements, and began therapeutic feeding according to Ethiopia’s Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment protocol.
Through daily counselling sessions, Nyapot received emotional support during her child’s recovery and was gently encouraged to pursue further medical care for an additional health condition. Although she was initially hesitant, her trust grew over time through consistent, compassionate counselling and clear communication.
After ten days of intensive care, Nyatit’s condition improved significantly, and she regained enough strength to transition to the Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) back in Terkidi-2, closer to home.
A Full Recovery and Renewed Hope
At the Terkidi-2 OTP site, GOAL’s team continued to monitor Nyatit’s recovery, providing ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and regular home visits. Gradually, Nyatit regained her energy, appetite, and playful spirit.
“If this centre had not been here, my child would not have survived,” said Nyapot. “GOAL saved her life. After weeks of battling malaria and hunger, she now plays and eats normally again. I finally feel relieved.”
After two months in the nutrition program, Nyatit was fully discharged, having recovered from acute malnutrition. She continues to receive follow-up care for her chronic condition through a linked health facility.
Now, with her daughter healthy, Nyapot has resumed her small market business. “Right now, my child is recovered,” she said proudly. “I can focus on my work without interruption because she can play with other children and doesn’t need special attention anymore.”
