Part 5: History of CRESS Clinic

In January 2017, Caroline made a solo visit to Kajo Keji in South Sudan, but found it eerily quiet - many people had already fled the area in fear of violence. During her visit, Caroline met Simon Bell and George Duncan who worked for the UN. While supervising the building of bridges over the River Kaya, their labourers frequently received treatment for dangerous malaria from the  clinic. The UN workers were extremely impressed by the clinic and grateful for their help. Bell told Caroline, “In my 24 years of working for the UN in Africa, I have never seen a clinic staffed by locals in such good shape–you should be proud of this”.

However, just days after Caroline returned to the UK, the clinic had to be abandoned. Rebel activity forced the community to flee. The entire contents of the clinic were rescued safely and quickly. Reverend Joel Abate overloaded his motorcycle with equipment in order to salvage it. Even the fridge was moved safely. The determined community also rescued the solar panel in the dark to avoid the rebels. The entire contents was removed to a small premised just 3km south over the Ugandan border.