South Sudan’s Water Crisis: Causes, Challenges & Hope
Amigos Internacionales • May 25, 2025
In South Sudan, clean water is a luxury millions cannot afford. For many, like young girls trekking miles to fetch murky water from contaminated streams, the daily quest for survival is fraught with danger and disease. Over 60% of South Sudan’s 13 million people lack access to safe drinking water, making it one of the world’s most severe water crises.
Amigos Internacionales, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through food, medical aid, and education, is stepping into this crisis with hope and action. By addressing water scarcity alongside hunger and education, Amigos is helping communities break free from poverty’s grip. In this blog, we explore the causes, challenges, and hopeful solutions to South Sudan’s water crisis, with Amigos leading the way.
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The Scale of South Sudan’s Water Crisis
South Sudan’s water crisis is a humanitarian emergency. Only 41% of the population had access to clean drinking water in 2019, and this number has worsened due to ongoing conflicts and climate challenges. So many children under five die from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, a leading cause of death in the region. Women and girls spend hours daily fetching water, often from polluted sources like the Nile River or stagnant ponds, risking waterborne diseases like cholera and Guinea worm. This crisis not only threatens health but also deepens food insecurity, as 97% of the country’s water is used for agriculture, leaving just 2% for domestic use.
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Root Causes of the Water Crisis
- Conflict and Infrastructure Damage: Decades of civil war, intensified since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, have destroyed water infrastructure. The 2013-2018 conflict left wells and pipelines deserted or demolished, with recovery hampered by ongoing instability.
- Climate Variability: Droughts and floods, worsened by climate change, disrupt water availability. In 2024, floods displaced a large percentage of the population, while droughts dried up farmland, impacting 80% of South Sudanese who rely on agriculture.
- Transboundary Water Stress: South Sudan shares the Nile River Basin with ten countries, creating competition and tension over limited resources. Unregulated use exacerbates scarcity.
- Underinvestment: Limited government resources and poor governance have stalled water system development, leaving rural areas with less access to improved water sources within a 30-minute walk.
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Challenges Faced by Communities
The water crisis creates profound challenges for South Sudanese communities:
- Health Risks: Contaminated water sources spread diseases like cholera. Children are particularly vulnerable, with diarrhea killing thousands daily worldwide.
- Education Disruptions: Girls spend 4-8 hours daily fetching water, missing school, and contributing to high dropout rates. This limits their prospects and perpetuates poverty.
- Safety Concerns: Women and girls face risks of violence, including assault and abduction, while traveling to distant water points.
- Economic Strain: With 97% of water used for agriculture, shortages cripple farming, which employs 80% of the population. Families like Nima Elmassad’s in White Nile State see harvests drop by half, forcing reliance on external aid.
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Amigos Internacionales: Bringing Hope to South Sudan
Amigos Internacionales is transforming lives in South Sudan by addressing the water crisis with its proven MissionPoint model, adapted from its success in Uganda. Amigos is now drilling clean water wells in South Sudan to combat disease and support agriculture.
In Uganda, Amigos has installed 10+ wells, and it’s replicating this in South Sudan, ensuring communities have safe water for drinking and farming. Programs like Karol’s Kitchen, which feeds students in schools like Open Hands Academy, are paired with sustainable agriculture training, providing seeds and tools to grow crops like maize and beans. This dual approach fights hunger while empowering families to become self-sufficient.
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Conclusion
South Sudan’s water crisis is a daunting challenge, driven by conflict, climate change, and underinvestment, but hope is on the horizon. Amigos Internacionales is leading the charge, bringing clean water, food, and education to communities in need. By drilling wells, providing meals, and fostering sustainable agriculture, Amigos is breaking the cycle of poverty and disease. Join us in this mission, your donation can transform lives and build a brighter future for South Sudan.
FAQs
- How does a single well impact a community?
One well, costing around $15,000, can provide clean water to over 1,000 people, reducing disease and freeing time for education and work. - Can I volunteer with Amigos in South Sudan?
Yes, Amigos welcomes volunteers for well projects, meal distribution, and community outreach. - How do donations to Amigos ensure long-term change?
Donations fund sustainable wells, agricultural training, and education, empowering communities to thrive independently, as seen in Amigos’ Uganda programs. - How can I advocate for South Sudan’s water crisis?
Raise awareness by sharing Amigos’ mission on social media or hosting fundraisers.
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In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
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A Legacy of Compassion and Service Dr. John LaNoue, affectionately known as "Dr. John," dedicated over six decades to global medical missions and disaster relief. His pioneering efforts, including designing the first mobile kitchen in an 18-wheeler container, have been instrumental in providing aid to countless individuals worldwide . In recognition of his unwavering commitment, Amigos Internacionales is establishing the Dr. John LaNoue Medical Clinic in Ogul Village, Northern Uganda. https://amigosii.org
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In a remote village in southwestern Uganda, a woman named Joy once faced the devastating possibility of permanent blindness. Last year, driven by deteriorating vision and rising desperation, she traveled many kilometers on foot to reach a government hospital in hopes of receiving cataract surgery. But the cost— 3,000,000 Ugandan shillings (approximately $800 USD )—was impossibly high. She returned home defeated. “I decided to forget about my left eye,” Joy shared. “And I prayed my right eye wouldn’t die.”
Discover the top 10 hunger relief charities of 2025, feeding millions in Africa with meals and sustainable solutions.
Discover surprising benefits of donating to charity. Learn how giving transforms your life and explore impactful work by Amigos Internacionales.
Explore the top 10 countries with the highest poverty rate in the world in 2025.
Learn about the crisis of hungry kids in Africa, its causes, & how to help. Support organizations making a difference and find out how you can contribute.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who generously contributed to launch our sewing classes in Uganda! 🙏🏽 Because of your compassion, what began as a vision has become a life-changing opportunity for individuals and families in our community. 🧵✨
A Legacy of Compassion and Service Dr. John LaNoue, affectionately known as "Dr. John," dedicated over six decades to global medical missions and disaster relief. His pioneering efforts, including designing the first mobile kitchen in an 18-wheeler container, have been instrumental in providing aid to countless individuals worldwide . In recognition of his unwavering commitment, Amigos Internacionales is establishing the Dr. John LaNoue Medical Clinic in Ogul Village, Northern Uganda. https://amigosii.org
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Discover the causes of food insecurity in 2025, their devastating effects on communities, and sustainable solutions for change.
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Picture a child in Uganda with big dreams but no way to reach them. That’s the reality for too many orphans who can’t afford school. In places like Northern Uganda, poverty hits hard, and education often feels out of reach. As per statistics, only 51% of girls finish primary school there, and boys don’t have it much easier. Without school, their futures stay small. But here’s the good news: for just $38 a month, you can sponsor a child and change that. You give them school, uniforms, and a real shot at a better life. Want to know how it works? We’ll walk you through why this matters, share a real story, and show you how to jump in. Check out our program; Sponsor a Child , or read about Uganda’s education gaps at UNESCO Uganda Stats . >> Want to change a life? Sponsor a Child for $38 today! The Education Crisis in Uganda Life isn’t easy for kids in rural Uganda. If you’re an orphan, it’s even tougher. School isn’t free, and without money for fees or uniforms, you’re not allowed back. Boys struggle too, but girls often drop out for things like early marriage or chores. When kids can’t learn, they’re stuck in poverty forever. No school means no skills, no jobs, and no way to climb out. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break. That’s where Amigos Internacionales comes in. Our sponsorship program steps up with $38 a month to cover school costs, keeping kids in class and giving them a chance to dream bigger. Want the bigger picture? Peek at Uganda’s poverty stats at World Bank Uganda . It’s a tough spot, but you can help. >> Help a kid beat the odds. Sponsor a Child now! Aloyo Brenda’s Story of Hope Let’s talk about Aloyo Brenda, a kid from Uganda whose life got a lift from sponsorship. Growing up, Brenda couldn’t always go to school. Poverty meant she didn’t have money for fees or supplies, so her education was spotty. Then Amigos stepped in, her sponsor made sure she got books, uniforms, and a steady spot in class. Now, Brenda’s got big plans. She wants to be a lawyer someday and build her grandma a house to say thanks. She’s already learning more, feeling confident, and loving school. In her own words, “Your brave step in sponsoring kids has given me a brighter future.” That’s the power of sponsorship: it’s not just money, it’s hope. Want to read her full story? Visit our page: Sponsorship Stories . >> Sponsor a Child like Brenda. Donate Now! What Your $38 Does Every Month So, what does $38 actually do? It’s pretty straightforward. Your monthly gift covers school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies for one Ugandan orphan. Amigos works with local schools to make sure every dollar gets to the kids who need it. We’ve already got 32 young men and women fully funded for a year, and you can add to that list. Here’s a cool part: you don’t just send money and forget. Every three months, you get a video update from your child, hosted by Patrick from Amigos. You’ll see them grow, learn, and smile. Over time, that education helps them build skills to support their families and villages. It’s a ripple effect. Curious how this fits with other projects. See their water work at Clean Water . >> See your $38 in action. Sponsor at Sponsor a Child now! Amigos’ Bigger Picture Sponsorship isn’t all Amigos does. We’ve been at this since 1967, over 55 years of helping kids and communities stand tall. Besides education, we’ve built wells in Uganda and fed millions in Central America. It’s all connected. Clean water keeps kids healthy, school gives them skills, and faith ties it together with hope. Conclusion Here’s the bottom line: for $38 a month, you can sponsor a child like Aloyo Brenda and open doors to education and dreams. It’s more than just school. It’s a lifeline for Ugandan orphans, a way to break poverty’s grip, and a boost for their whole community. Amigos Internacionales is making it happen, one child at a time, and you can be part of it. Your support today could mean a lawyer, a teacher, or a leader tomorrow. Ready to step up? Get started today & Sponsor a Child . Together, we’re unlocking futures, and that feels pretty amazing. FAQs What does my $38 pay for? It covers school fees, uniforms, books, and supplies for one child each month. How do I see my child’s progress? You’ll get video updates every three months from Patrick at Amigos. Who can I sponsor? Ugandan orphans who need help to stay in school. How many kids are sponsored now? 32 young men and women are funded for a full year. Where does my money go? It goes straight to schools through Amigos’ local partners.
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In the heart of Northern Uganda, a region marked by resilience and hope, communities face significant healthcare challenges. Limited access to medical services has left many vulnerable to preventable diseases and untreated conditions. Recognizing this pressing need, Amigos Internacionales, in collaboration with Doctors on Mission International and the Ugandan Heart Institute, is organizing a comprehensive three-day medical camp in Ogul Village from March 28th to 30th, 2025.
How the Medical Camps Offer More Than Just Physical Healing In the heart of Uganda, Amigos International’s Medical Camps are more than just a place for medical care—they are a sanctuary of hope and healing. Led by Dr. Paul Mulyamboga and Doctors on Mission International, these camps provide critical medical, dental, and vision services to communities with limited access to healthcare. But the impact runs deeper. Volunteers and medical professionals offer not only physical relief but also emotional and spiritual support, praying with patients and sharing messages of faith. The result is a powerful blend of healing for both the body and soul—something that sets these camps apart from traditional medical outreach efforts.
Access to quality Medical Care is a fundamental human right. However, millions of people around the world, especially in rural regions and developing countries, lack this access. In northern Uganda, the situation is particularly challenging due to a combination of factors such as poverty, armed conflict, population displacement, and lack of infrastructure. Amigos Internationa l, aware of this problem, has undertaken a series of initiatives to improve the health of communities in northern Uganda. Through the construction of health centres, the training of health personnel and the implementation of disease prevention programmes, the organisation is transforming the lives of thousands of people.
In the heart of Northern Uganda lies Ogul Village, a community facing significant healthcare challenges. From March 28th to 30th, a transformative event will unfold: the Ogul Village Medical Camp, a collaborative effort by Doctors on Mission International and Amigos Internacionales. This three-day initiative brings quality healthcare and hope to over 3,000 individuals.
