Stories
October 14, 2025 • 2 min read
When 32-year-old farmer Miyom Manyok fell critically ill with severe malaria in the remote Mijak County of Abyei, his chances of survival seemed slim. Thanks to the ECHO-funded GOAL health project, GOAL’s medical team responded swiftly, stabilizing him and arranging a referral through the ambulance system to Amethbek Referral Hospital for advanced care provided by the MSF team. Within days, Miyom made a full recovery and returned to his family and daily life, grateful for the timely support that saved him.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in South Sudan and the Abyei Administrative Area, particularly during the peak transmission season. Limited access to quality health facilities and the challenge of reaching referral hospitals in emergencies put communities at risk. GOAL, working with partners such as MSF Switzerland, operates primary health care units and coordinates referral services to ensure patients with severe cases receive timely, specialized treatment.
Emergency Response in Mijak County
A few months ago, the 32-year-old farmer Miyom Manyok was rushed to GOAL’s health facility in Mijak County. He arrived in a critical state, unconscious and shaking due to severe malaria. The medical team immediately conducted a rapid diagnostic test, confirming malaria, and recorded his high fever of 39.4°C. They stabilised him with initial treatment, and recognising the urgency, the facility’s clinical officer activated the GOAL referral ambulance hotline, and within minutes, an ambulance was dispatched.
Referral and Hospital Care
Miyom was immediately transferred to Amethbek Referral Hospital, operated by MSF Switzerland. On arrival, the MSF team conducted triple tests, confirming severe malaria with moderate anaemia. He was admitted for intensive treatment, receiving further artesunate, fluids, nutritious meals, and continuous monitoring.
Recovery and Impact on Family and Community
After three days in the hospital, Miyom’s condition improved significantly. His fever subsided, his haemoglobin levels normalized, and his strength returned.
“Miyom’s recovery is a result of the hard work and dedication of our medical team at Amethbek Referral Hospital. We’re proud to have played a role in saving his life,” said Dr. Thomas Akuith, Medical Doctor, MSF-CH.
He was discharged with a three-day regimen of medication. Reflecting on his recovery, Miyom said:
“I was so weak and tired, I thought I was going to die. But the doctors and nurses were so kind and caring. They gave me the treatment I needed, and now I’m feeling strong again. Thanks to the GOAL and MSF staff for saving my life through quick intervention and calling the ambulance to take me to the Hospital urgently.”
His wife, who remained at his side throughout, expressed deep gratitude. For their community, Miyom’s recovery highlighted not only the resilience of families but also the effectiveness of GOAL’s health and referral systems in partnership with MSF.
