Mission Sudan

The implementation of a peace agreement between the south and north is, paradoxically, cause for growing hope and for new uncertainties that are holding back the reconstruction of a health system able to meet the huge needs. In Darfur, in the west of the country, the conflict still does not seem any closer to resolution. The suffering of the population continues and their needs remain considerable, if not in some cases getting worse. In addition, the deteriorating operating conditions make it increasingly difficult for humanitarian organisations to provide any care to civilian victims.

Project 1 :

Improving primary healthcare - Malakal, Tonga, Phom El Zeraf (Upper Nile and Jonglei states)

Activities :

• Surgery/hospital: completing the refurbishment of the surgery unit (securing access to water and energy), reinforcing sterilisation capacity.
• Primary healthcare: supporting a health centre in Tonga (general consultations, nursing care, antenatal and postnatal consultations, routine immunisations, preventing malaria, promoting hygiene, training health workers).
• Responding to epidemics: measles immunisation in Phom El Zeraf, developing the capacity to respond to epidemics (measles, cholera, meningitis).

Outlook :

Throughout 2007 periodic skirmishes linked to the implementation of the peace agreement show how the instability is hindering reconstruction efforts. The objective is to develop the project by adapting the programme to the constantly changing situation, and to increase the primary healthcare services and establish an improved capacity to respond to epidemics.

Project 2 :

Emergency aid for displaced civilians in South Darfur - South Darfour – Kalma camp / rural area (Kass, Djebel Mara)

Activities :

The MdM primary healthcare centre in Kalma camp provided medical and obstetric consultations, routine immunisations and care for victims of violence (particularly cases of violence against women). It also promoted hygiene and set up oral rehydration points. Following a review of the imbalance between the services provided to the population and the risks faced by the teams, MdM decided to temporarily suspend its activities in January 2007 (effective from 28 February 2007), in order to consider new ways of operating.

Outlook :

The deterioration in security conditions prompts fears of a reduction in humanitarian aid provision for the most vulnerable populations. In this context, MdM plans to restart activities in early 2008 with an innovative project, in the heart of the Djebel Mara, working with groups who have been marginalised by the conflict.

August 2008