“Data has a voice. When it is done well, it speaks for itself.”

Leek Gatdiet Riak has spent more than four years with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as a Medical Data Processing Officer. He began his journey with MSF in Bentiu, Unity State, and now supports a multi-antigen vaccination campaign in Minkaman, Awerial County, where he helps transform information collected in the field into insights that guide the response. 

For Riak, every number collected during a vaccination campaign represents more than just data. It tells the story of a community, helps teams make lifesaving decisions, and strengthens the response to health emergencies. 

"We turn the data we are collecting into information,” says Riak. “That information becomes the guide that helps us understand the specific needs within the communities.” 

Working closely with the Ministry of Health, Riak reviews report from vaccination teams, verifies information, and analyzes trends. His work helps MSF understand vaccination coverage, identify gaps, and adapt activities to better reach children and families. 

During vaccination campaigns, data can reveal challenges, highlight areas where community awareness needs to be strengthened, and inform planning for future activities. 

“Without data, people cannot make the right decisions,” Riak explains. “If we vaccinate children without collecting the necessary information, we may not know whether we have reached our targets, whether supplies are sufficient, or what challenges still need to be addressed.” 

Ensuring accuracy is one of the most demanding aspects of his role. 

“Sometimes reports arrive incomplete, and sometimes there are errors,” says Riak. “There is a golden rule in data: we cannot change or add anything. One wrong entry can affect the entire picture.” 

The role often requires long hours spent cleaning, validating, and analyzing information. Riak expresses these efforts are essential as accurate data directly influences the quality and effectiveness of MSF's support to communities. 

Having worked in data management for more than a decade, Riak believes one of the most powerful aspects of his work is its ability to make communities visible. 

“What is happening here in Minkaman can be seen by people far away through data,” he says. “Many people may never visit this community or see the work being done here, but through data they can understand the needs, the challenges, and the impact of the response.” 

For Riak, this is why data matters. 

“Data has a voice. When it is done well, it speaks for itself,” says Riak. 

Behind every vaccination campaign, there are dedicated people helping ensure that communities are not just counted but understood. Through the dedication of our teams, this starts with making sure every number reflects the communities, their needs, and the impact of the care being delivered.