South Sudan: medical experts in Gumuruk village provide lifeline to conflict-stricken residents – in pictures

Women gather in the market in Gumuruk village, Jonglei state. Only women and children have been arriving at the MSF clinic for treatment; the men are believed to be hiding in the bush amid fears of entering towns with a military presence Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

Lucia clears the grass on a plot near Gumuruk market in order to build a house. She fled her village along the Lotilla river after being attacked by an armed group in July. For now, she is staying with a woman from the village Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

A young girl sits outside her house in the rain. The displaced population has fled the main towns in Pibor county, most likely out of fear of being confused with rebel groups or being caught in the crossfire Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

A woman gathers water droplets as they fall from a shop roof in Gumuruk market. In the aftermath of violence in Pibor county, some 28,000 people have amassed in and around Gumuruk village. However, there is no water point, forcing many to rely upon dirty river water and rainwater Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

Groda used to live near Nanam river, but fled to Gumuruk village after attacks by an armed group Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

Konya Akul, 30, waits for a consultation at the MSF clinic in Gumuruk. She is four months pregnant and had to flee her village – Vevena in Pibor county – when armed men attacked Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

A nurse listens to Konya's stomach for signs of life. The expectant mother went to the clinic because she could no longer feel any movement. She says she has been suffering regular headaches, loss of appetite and exhaustion Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

Women queue in the clinic's waiting room Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

A nurse takes the temperature of new patients in the registration area. MSF runs the small clinic in Gumuruk, and has deployed an emergency team to seek ways to enter the bush to provide care for those who are too afraid to get help in towns and villages Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

Tamuto Ajwa Lika, 20, fled Mainmar village, which had been looted by armed gangs. She walked for four days for refuge in Gumuruk, despite suffering from respiratory problems, headaches and abdominal pain Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

Midich, eight, has come to Gumuruk from Vevena. She and her family left after their neighbours were attacked by armed gangs. Midich tells the nurse that she and her relatives hid in a swamp for almost two weeks without access to clean water. She has not eaten in six days, and sought help from the clinic after being bitten by a rat she was trying to catch and eat Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

A woman leaves the clinic with the medicines she was prescribed Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF

A young boy stands on a muddy road after heavy rains. Fear of violence and flooding have prevented many in and around Pibor county from seeking vital medical assistance Photograph: Camille Lepage/MSF