Preventing Gender-based Violence in South Sudan

As devastating civil conflict continued to force millions from their homes in neighboring Sudan, many journeys end in Renk, one of the main crossing points into South Sudan. Since early 2024, over 800,000 refugees and returnees have arrived there, and the area is facing critical shortages of aid and basic services.

In September 2025, IsraAID South Sudan expanded its operations to Renk to help meet this surging need. Our teams are on the ground providing safe water, sanitation supplies, and hygiene support, as well as disease prevention, health referrals, protection services, gender-based violence response, and emotional support. The situation is made more urgent by a cholera outbreak that struck the area at the end of 2024, linked to inadequate facilities at the border.

The conditions in Renk County are extremely difficult. In Jalhak Payam, one of the areas where we work, over half the population practices open defecation, there are no operational schools, and the local hospital is critically short of medicines. Ahamed, a 75-year-old community member, put it plainly: "You see the hospital there — it's empty, with no medicines. People travel to Renk town or Juba for treatment, but this is only feasible for those who can afford it. As for me, I am currently ill and fear for my life because I cannot afford to travel."

South Sudan was already home to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises before this latest wave of displacement — with over 9 million people requiring assistance in 2025. IsraAID has worked in the country since 2011, building the relationships and presence needed to reach the most vulnerable communities. Your support is helping us respond where it's needed most.