South Sudan is still recovering from the catastrophic events of 2020. The COVID-19 crisis has severely disrupted South Sudan’s economy, leading to a sharp decline in projected growth. Nearly 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.  The March 2022 World Food Programme report for South Sudan projects that an estimated 8.3 million people will face severe food insecurity, with 2 million women and children facing acute malnutrition.  Famine, drought, and healthcare conditions are deeply interwoven, with each potentially exacerbating each other.

Currently, there is a healthcare crisis in South Sudan due to medical personnel shortages and destroyed infrastructure.  South Sudan has one physician per 65,574 population, and one midwife per 39,088 population. This lack in key healthcare infrastructure has allowed preventable health conditions to continue to plague South Sudan.   Nearly 75% of child deaths are due to preventable conditions, and South Sudan’s maternal and infant mortality rates are among the highest in the world. 

GEMS has chosen the village of Majok Goi in the northern part of South Sudan to be the model for changing the way the area can develop. The village is made up of approximately 6,000 people that have scarce resources.

Our 2022 fundraising efforts are focused on raising $75,000 for the completion of a healthcare clinic in the village of Majok Goi.