Stories
October 1, 2025 • 2 min read
On June 11, 2025, a cholera outbreak was declared in the Abyei Administrative Area, putting thousands of lives at risk. Among the patients were three siblings, Achol (8), Akuol (28 months), and Akon (14), all brought to the Agok Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) with severe dehydration. Thanks to swift intervention by GOAL’s health team and referral system, which the European Union Humanitarian Aid generously funded, each child received lifesaving treatment. Within days, they were discharged, fully recovered, and returned home to their family and community.
Cholera remains a recurring public health threat in South Sudan and the Abyei Administrative Area, particularly during the rainy season when access to safe water and sanitation is limited. In response to the outbreak declared on June 11, 2025, GOAL established and staffed the Agok Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) while also deploying 50 trained Boma Health Workers to conduct house-to-house health education on prevention and early care-seeking.
A Life Saved Through Referral
On June 4, 2025, 28-month-old Akuol Simon Agok was the first in her family to contract cholera. She was rushed to Agok Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) with severe dehydration before the CTU was fully operational. Due to workforce and supply gaps at that time, she was referred to Amethbek Referral Hospital using GOAL’s referral vehicle. Her life was saved, but she relapsed soon after returning home. On June 6, she was brought unconscious and severely dehydrated to the Agok CTU. GOAL’s medical team immediately initiated intravenous rehydration therapy and monitored her closely. Within 24 hours, her condition improved, and zinc supplements were prescribed to aid recovery. Two days later, she was discharged sitting up, smiling, and asking for food.
Siblings in Danger
Soon after, her siblings, Akon (14) and Achol (8), were admitted to the CTU. They arrived restless, thirsty, and visibly dehydrated, showing sunken eyes and signs of fluid loss. Their mother explained that she had first tried home remedies:
“I gave them fish soup, but when they became worse, I knew they needed professional help. My children would have died of cholera if there were no nearby health facility. Their father is a soldier who comes home only once or twice a year,” she said.
At the CTU, both children were placed on rehydration (due to some dehydration) and given oral rehydration salts (ORS), antibiotics, and close observation. Within 48 hours, they were well enough to be discharged, cured, and back home with their mother.
Strengthening Community Response
The recovery of the three children was a result of timely access to cholera treatment and preventive measures at the community level. In addition to therapy at the CTU, GOAL has trained and mobilized 50 Boma Health Workers to deliver key cholera messages house-to-house, encouraging families to seek care early and adopt safe hygiene practices. These efforts are critical to containing outbreaks and preventing avoidable deaths. Each recovery at the CTU is more than a medical success; it represents healthier families, stronger communities, and renewed trust in local health systems.
