[AYOD COUNTY, SOUTH SUDAN, FEBRUARY 19, 2026] IMA World Health is deeply saddened to report the brutal killing of a colleague who was a nurse and health care worker affiliated with the JESI Plus Project, during an armed attack in Ayod County’s Wunbiem community in Jonglei State on the night of February 13, 2026.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. local time, a group of unknown armed men went to the Wunbiem Mobile Tented Clinic site, where this team member worked. Finding he was not present at the clinic, the men proceeded to his home, where they brutally shot and killed him. His family was unharmed but heavily impacted by the incident. They have since relocated for safety.
“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, who served his community with dedication and compassion,” said Mahmoud Bah, Chief Operating Officer, IMA World Health. “This violence is unacceptable and has no place in our communities. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our staff and supporting this colleague’s family as we work with authorities to understand what happened.”
IMA World Health has notified relevant authorities, including the U.S. Embassy in Juba, the local Police, Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), the Jonglei State Ministry of Health, Ayod County Health Department (CHD), and local officials. Given the increased threat level, IMA World Health has suspended activities involving JESI Plus health care workers in Ayod County, advising them to relocate for safety. All planned movements of medicines and consumables in Ayod Country have also been halted as current conditions prevent verification and secure transport.
About Jonglei Essential Integrated Services for IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Host Population (JESI PLUS)
IMA World Health supports internally displaced people (IDPs), host communities, and returnees across 16 bomas in the fragile contexts of Ayod, Nyirol, Fangak, and Canal/Pigi through the Jonglei Essential Integrated Services for IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Host Population (JESI Plus) project, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State. The project deploys mobile outreach teams to deliver vaccines, enabling on-site immunization and surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases.
About IMA World Health
Founded in 1960 as Interchurch Medical Assistance, IMA World Health is a public health organization that delivers solutions to health-related problems across the world. We work with local partners and governments to strengthen existing health systems, prevent and treat diseases, improve maternal and child health, promote nutrition and WASH, respond to violence against women and girls, and contribute to global health security. IMA World Health leads global health programming at Corus International, an organization that unites an array of nonprofits and businesses, including international development and aid organization Lutheran World Relief, technology for development consultancy CGA Technologies, impact investing firm Ground Up Investing, and direct-trade company Farmers Market Brands.
Contact
Lauren Bauer, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Corus International