Stories
August 20, 2025 • 2 min read
In a remote corner of South Sudan, where roads vanish into rivers and mud, children in Bangdit village rarely receive life-saving vaccines. Determined to change this, GOAL vaccinator Aliza Peter walked 45 kilometers with her team, carrying vaccines and supplies on foot. Guided by locals across floodwaters and swamps, she reached families who had never met a health worker. Over 80 children in Bangdit and neighboring Wantep were vaccinated against measles, polio, and tuberculosis, marking a turning point for the community.
South Sudan faces some of the world’s toughest barriers to healthcare access. Communities are often cut off by seasonal flooding, lack of infrastructure, and ongoing instability. As a result, vaccine-preventable diseases remain a major threat, particularly for children in rural and isolated areas. Through the GAVI-REACH Project, generously funded by IRC, GOAL vaccinators like Aliza Peter are working to overcome these obstacles, traveling long distances to ensure children are protected against deadly illnesses.
Reaching the Unreachable
In Bangdit, a South Sudanese village cut off by rivers, valleys, and mud, vaccines were a rare luxury. Roads were impassable and transport non-existent, leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases. For Aliza Peter, an EPI vaccinator with GOAL, this was exactly where she was needed. “My mission is to make sure no child misses out on vaccines, no matter how far they are,” she explained.
The 45km March
When Bangdit appeared on her outreach list, Aliza prepared without hesitation. Carrying vaccines on her back and accompanied by her small team, she set off on a 45-kilometre trek. The journey took her through dense forest and across swollen streams. At times, she walked barefoot through floodwaters, guided by local residents who knew the safest routes.
A Community Transformed
When she arrived, dozens of parents gathered, many meeting a health worker for the first time. Aliza patiently explained the importance of each vaccine, reassured families, and earned their trust. In Bangdit and neighbouring Wantep, she vaccinated over 80 children against measles, polio, and tuberculosis. Reflecting on the experience, she said: “It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Every child vaccinated is a future saved, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Her efforts bridged years of isolation, opened new conversations about health, and inspired parents to protect their children, proving that even the longest road can be walked when children’s lives are at stake.
