Dr. Yohanis Riek

Doctor, Social entrepreneur, Writer/Editor

My name is Yohanis Riek, a 39-year-old medical doctor, entrepreneur, and TED Global Fellow based in South Sudan. I graduated with an MBBS from the University of Juba in 2019 and currently serve as the CEO of Yo' Care Limited, a healthcare social enterprise I founded in November 2020. Yo’ Care focuses on innovative healthcare solutions, including the distribution of medical-grade oxygen, providing last-mile delivery of essential medicines and blood products using medical drones, and facilitating international medical treatment for South Sudanese patients in need of specialized care abroad. My journey into entrepreneurship was driven by my firsthand experience as a doctor witnessing critical gaps in healthcare, particularly the chronic lack of medical-grade oxygen and specialized treatment options in South Sudan. I am passionate about transforming healthcare access through sustainable and innovative solutions. As a seasoned South Sudanese entrepreneur with 16 years of experience in private-sector development and non-profit leadership, I lead business growth, financial oversight, team development, and governance at Yo' Care. I have successfully founded and managed multiple ventures, including Yo' Books Ltd, which secured $52,000 in seed funding from Injini in 2017, and Yo' Care South Sudan, a non-profit providing essential healthcare services which I established in 2009. My leadership has been further refined through prestigious programs like the Mandela Washington Fellowship and TED Global Fellowship, equipping me with the strategic vision, resilience, and expertise to scale and sustain impactful businesses.

I'm passionate about transforming healthcare access in South Sudan through innovative solutions. From ensuring a reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen to leveraging medical drones for vaccine distribution and facilitating international medical treatment for patients in need, my mission is to bridge critical healthcare gaps. I believe that through entrepreneurship, technology, and strategic partnerships, we can create sustainable solutions that save lives and improve healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.

Through my work at Yo’ Care Limited, we are pioneering innovative healthcare solutions to tackle critical challenges in South Sudan. (a) Medical Oxygen Distribution and Supplies – Oxygen is a lifesaving necessity, yet many hospitals in South Sudan struggle with shortages. Yo’ Care is ensuring a reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen through local distribution, refilling, and maintenance services, making life-saving treatment accessible and affordable. (b) Medical Drones for Vaccine Delivery – Remote areas in South Sudan face severe logistical challenges in accessing vaccines. By leveraging medical drones, we aim to overcome transportation barriers, ensuring timely vaccine delivery to hard-to-reach communities and reducing preventable diseases. (c) Facilitating International Medical Treatment – Many South Sudanese patients require specialized care unavailable locally. Yo’ Care bridges this gap by connecting patients with world-class medical institutions abroad, guiding them through referrals, logistics, and treatment coordination. Through these initiatives, we are transforming healthcare access, saving lives, and driving innovation in South Sudan’s medical sector.

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