The Doctor on a Mission to Build a Healthier South Sudan | Yohanis Riek | TED

Overview

Yohanis Riek shares his extraordinary journey from a childhood as a cattle herder and child soldier in South Sudan to becoming the first doctor in his community. He discusses founding Yo' Care South Sudan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthcare to underserved communities, and reflects on the challenges of building a healthier society in the world's youngest nation.

Notable Quotes

- The most important thing to invest in is the people. There is no country without people in the first place. – Yohanis Riek, on the foundation of nation-building.

- My hope for the future, first as a doctor, is a healthy society. Because when the community is stable, we will contribute meaningfully to the world. – Yohanis Riek, on his vision for South Sudan.

- Even if we are in crisis, I am very proud that I have a country because I believe one day, through the contributions we are making, we will be better. – Yohanis Riek, on resilience and hope for South Sudan.

🌍 From Cattle Herding to Child Soldier

- Yohanis recounts his early life in a nomadic culture, where he was destined to be a cattle keeper.

- At around age 14 or 15, he was forcibly conscripted as a child soldier during South Sudan's civil war.

- The 2005 peace agreement, supported by the U.S. government, led to his demobilization and sponsorship to attend school.

💉 Becoming a Doctor and Founding Yo' Care South Sudan

- Witnessing preventable deaths in his family, including his sister, inspired Yohanis to pursue medicine.

- He became the first doctor in his family and community, starting university in 2009.

- That same year, he founded Yo' Care South Sudan, a nonprofit focused on infectious disease control, primary care, and mobile medical services for remote communities.

🏥 Empowering Communities Through Healthcare

- Yo' Care trains patients to become service providers, fostering self-reliance in healthcare.

- Lillian, a former patient, became a peer navigator, helping others access testing, medication, and training.

- The organization emphasizes long-term health solutions and community involvement, encapsulated in its name: Yo' Care means the care we provide is yours.

🚨 Challenges of Funding Cuts

- Recent funding cuts from external donors, including the U.S. government, have drastically reduced Yo' Care's capacity.

- The organization went from supporting 60,000 people and eight health facilities to 32,000 people and two facilities, with staff reduced from 53 to eight.

- Patients and communities are left asking, Where do we go? as they face limited access to basic healthcare.

🇸🇸 Hope for South Sudan's Future

- Yohanis reflects on South Sudan's independence in 2011, likening it to the joy of owning a new home despite ongoing crises.

- He envisions a future where South Sudan is known for its contributions to the world rather than its conflicts.

- Despite challenges like conflict, climate issues, and global neglect, Yohanis remains optimistic about the nation's potential for growth and stability.