JRS South Africa & PRM: Healthcare Program Gives Refugees Hope
25 July 2024|Chloe Gunther
In 2018, Daniel*, a then 57-year-old refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, had just fled to South Africa when he suffered his first massive stroke. Paralyzed on the entire right side of his body, Daniel could neither work nor afford rent. On a freezing winter day, JRS South Africa found Daniel living on the streets.
Established in 1999, JRS South Africa operates two urban offices to support displaced communities and the local host community. Today, a dedicated staff of about 40 people assists in various programs aimed at helping refugees and asylum seekers integrate successfully into their communities.
Upon meeting Daniel, the JRS South Africa team immediately enacted their emergency protocol, assigning a social worker to his case and conducting a needs assessment. Through JRS South Africa’s health care program, Daniel discovered he also had hypertension and type 2 diabetes, both potentially fatal if left untreated.
Nomphilo, who was part of the team that welcomed Daniel into the JRS South Africa community five years ago, has been with JRS for seven years, initially as a volunteer. She has worked on projects across their portfolio, including health care, education, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and livelihoods programs. Today, she is a program officer and the acting JRS South Africa country director.
“Bringing change to people’s lives,” she said, “just seeing that we have a positive impact on people’s lives inspires me and motivates me to work harder every day.”
She described how refugees and other forcibly displaced people in the JRS community often visit the office simply to share in conversation. “They come to just be in the community regardless of whether they are receiving specific services at that time or not.”
“For me, JRS is home,” she said. Beneficiaries come into the office to sit and have a conversation. “They come to just be in the community,” Nomphilo reiterated, “regardless of whether they are receiving specific services at that time or not.”
Daniel is one of the thousands who have benefitted from JRS South Africa’s health care program, funded by the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (State PRM). State PRM partners with JRS in several countries, ensuring that refugees have equal opportunities and the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Daniel’s story of resilience embodies the hope that proper resources can provide to those who need them most.
After Daniel’s needs assessment, JRS South Africa found him a place to stay. Although he initially struggled to get out of bed, he began making progress through JRS’s at-home care. Unfortunately, in 2020, as the pandemic isolated people worldwide, Daniel suffered another stroke. JRS staff were the first to find him and rushed him to the hospital.
He survived. Upon discharge, the JRS care team brought Daniel back home and implemented another rehabilitation plan. They have worked with him weekly since then.
Now 62 years old, Daniel has regained his speech and mobility to the point where he can cook, clean, and look after himself. His memory has also improved, and he has connected with a local clinic where he attends group physical therapy sessions that help him physically and provide a greater support network as he rebuilds his life.
Daniel’s remarkable recovery serves as a model for refugee response worldwide. JRS continues to provide and expand this quality care with the support of dedicated staff and generous donors.
*Name changed to protect safety and anonymity.