The Nguenyyiel refugee camp, in the Gambella region of Ethiopia, is home to over 110,000 South Sudanese refugees. In this stretch of land, where daily life is a constant challenge, the story of Nyadholi Mut Jock shines as a sign of resilience and hope.
Nyadholi is 26 years old and is already a mother of four. When she discovered she was pregnant again, she felt overwhelmed by a mixture of joy and concern. In a context where access to healthcare services is limited and pregnancy-related risks are extremely high, giving birth to a child can be frightening. It was thanks to word of mouth and the support of friends that Nyadholi decided to visit the health post managed by Doctors with Africa CUAMM in Zone D of the camp.
Here, Nyadholi immediately found medical assistance as well as comprehensive support: regular prenatal visits, nutritional guidance, and information sessions to recognize danger signs during pregnancy and understand the importance of vaccinations.
“I came to CUAMM because there are professionals who offer essential services like prenatal care, vaccinations, and medication. They listened to me, treated me with respect, and explained everything,” Nyadholi recalls, emphasizing how the kindness of the staff made the difference, restoring the confidence that is often put to the test in the life of a refugee. “I am very happy with the care I received, from the community health workers to the midwives who assisted me during childbirth. They showed me great humanity,” she added.
Since 2018, Doctors with Africa CUAMM has been present in the Gambella region, providing prevention and treatment services for the refugee population and host communities. It operates in the Nguenyyiel camp, one of the largest in the area, supporting two health posts in Zones A and D. These activities are part of the project “Emergency response to the South Sudanese crisis through an integrated and inclusive approach in health, nutrition, and protection, to strengthen the resilience of South Sudanese refugees and host communities in the Gambella region, Ethiopia,” funded by the Italian Cooperation and implemented together with Plan International Ethiopia and Plan Italia.
In the last 15 months of the project, from its inception until December 2025, there were 53,476 outpatient visits, 1,246 new prenatal visits, and 153 deliveries. Furthermore, 1,136 infants aged 0-11 months completed their vaccinations, 11,391 children under 5 years of age underwent nutritional screening, and 91 cases of severe acute malnutrition and 291 cases of moderate acute malnutrition were referred. Finally, over 2,600 people were reached through awareness sessions.
“When the time came for labor, Nyadholi returned to our clinic. Thanks to the presence of qualified staff, she gave birth to a healthy boy. In that moment, holding her little one in her arms, the weight of fear turned into pure joy and strength,” says Yitages Komtu, community activities coordinator. “These services are vital for the well-being of my son and me. I feel peaceful, mentally and psychologically, knowing that we are receiving the care we need,” Nyadholi continued.
CUAMM’s commitment aims to go beyond simple healthcare: it is a tool that seeks to empower women through knowledge and awareness of their rights, thereby strengthening the entire community. “CUAMM’s activities are extremely important for me and the entire refugee community. They guarantee equitable and quality services right here, where we live every day,” she concluded with pride.
Nyadholi decided to share her story to encourage other mothers in the camp to seek help and not feel alone. Because every mother and every child, even in a refugee camp, deserves the opportunity to thrive.
