South Sudan, Malakal

4-months-old Mary James was admitted three times in an MSF hospital in the UN compound in Malakal since she was two months old. She was very weak when she was admitted for the first time. She had serious respiratory problems but she improved after receiving antibiotic treatment. The last time she was admitted, on November 11, her weight was 3 kgs. Today (Nov 18), after a week, her weight is 3.25 kgs. she has improved again, this time with a tuberculosis treatment. Mary James was born in the protection of civilians (PoC) compound of the UN in Malakal, where around 48,000 displaced people fled after the town was destroyed during the fighting between government and rebel forces. The poor living conditions in the camp and the lack of available space for the IDPs is taking a toll on the population — malaria, diarrhea, malnutrition and tuberculosis are some of the most serious diseases they are facing.

Mary James’ mother, Sara Mayik, fled the fighting in Malakal when the war started. she arrived to Panyakong, then to Kodok, and then again, due to the conflict, she moved to the UN compound in Malakal. Multiple displacements are common in the area. When Sara was staying in the compound, she got pregnant and Mary James was born.

Quotes by Sara Mayik (mother):
“This place (the Malakal PoC) is very crowded, there are many people living in the same space. If people go back to Malakal and the town is safe, I will come back, but for the time being I will need to stay here.”

“My baby was in very bad condition, now she is better but I’m still worried about her, because she has tuberculosis. I hope she recovers soon.”