On the move to save lives: Expanding access to VL care in South Sudan

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as Kala-Azar, is one of the deadliest neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) globally. Transmitted through the bite of an infected sand fly, VL weakens the immune system and, if left untreated, is nearly always fatal. The disease thrives in specific environments—wooded savannahs, cracked black soil, and termite mounds—all of which are common in endemic regions of South Sudan.

Years of conflict have made controlling VL even more difficult. When civil war erupted in 2013, most of the country’s treatment centers were destroyed, and thousands of families were displaced. By the time a major outbreak hit in 2014, only five treatment facilities remained operational in the country’s hardest-hit states.

In response, the Ministry of Health launched an urgent effort with key partners to rebuild services. Since 2015, IMA World Health—part of the Corus International family of organizations—has been on the front lines, working in collaboration with government and international partners to expand access to VL care in the most affected regions.

Today, IMA World Health supports 25 health facilities in providing lifesaving VL treatment and has trained 75 community health volunteers to provide education, early screening, and referrals for suspected VL cases. With support from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, the END Fund, and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), these efforts have brought lifesaving care to communities that once had none.

In December 2024, IMA World Health extended its reach to a highly mobile and underserved group in South Sudan: the Falata (also known as Ambororo) nomadic pastoralists. Believed to have migrated from Nigeria, the Falata move seasonally with their livestock across forested regions of Central Africa, Sudan and South Sudan. Their way of life—deeply rooted in mobility—means they often miss out on essential services like health care, which are typically designed for stationary populations.

Recognizing that many people diagnosed with VL at nearby health centers came from Falata communities, local health volunteers recommended a special outreach effort to two villages in Maban County, Upper Nile state. Because they expected to see a high number of potential cases, the team made sure to bring plenty of rapid test kits to meet the community’s needs.

Early one morning, the IMA World Health team arrived at Umda Buruma’s cattle camp—the largest in the area. The Umda, or community chief, gave them a warm welcome and, after listening to a health talk about VL, offered to be the first person tested, explaining that he suspected he might already be sick. Just as testing was about to begin, the Umda shared unexpected news: the entire camp was relocating that day. Not wanting to miss the chance to help, the IMA World Health team packed up and followed the caravan of camels, oxen, cattle and families to their new location, where they continued testing and sharing vital health information.

By the end of the day, the team had screened seven people for VL—thankfully, none tested positive. However, they diagnosed 27 individuals with malaria and provided immediate treatment. In addition to testing, the team reached 144 community members with health education, sharing how VL is spread, what warning signs to watch for, and where to go for free care if symptoms appear.