Despite precarious security situations and consistent threats of violence from warring factions in Sudan's western region of Darfur, MAP International and other members of the Global Relief Alliance are continuing to provide healthcare and other assistance to villagers in the desert region.
MAP International, which is spearheading the GRA's healthcare efforts, is operating two healthcare clinics in the villages of Um Tagouk and Sanidadi. MAP is also conducting community health education sessions to teach villagers to employ proper sanitation techniques as well as to prevent and treat common diseases.
Medical staff at the clinics typically see more than 2,000 people every month, including more than 600 children younger than 5 years old. The most common diseases treated include malaria, acute respiratory infections and diarrhea. The health situation has lately remained stable, with no major disease outbreaks in the areas the GRA serves.
More than 700 villagers have also recently participated in the community-based health education programs MAP is operating in Um Tagouk, Sanidadi and nearby Azirni. The education focuses on personal hygiene, sanitation, and the prevention of diarrhea and other waterborne diseases.
In addition to MAP's efforts to provide primary healthcare and health education, other GRA partners have implemented programs to supply safe drinking water and stable food supplies. GRA partner organizations have built wells, constructed latrines, distributed fuel-efficient stoves, provided agricultural training and operated supplemental feeding centers.
Violence in the Darfur region erupted in 2003 when rebel groups attacked the government, accusing it of neglect. Since then fighting has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced millions, many of whom have fled to neighboring Chad, where fighting has also begun. In addition to its work in Darfur, MAP and the GRA are also providing healthcare and emergency assistance for Darfurian refugees and displaced villagers living at camps within Chad.