Urgent medical assistance needed in East Darfur: UNAMID
October 25, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The deteriorating heath situation of displaced persons camping near the a site of the joint peacekeeping mission in Labado, Esat Darfur state requires urgent medical assistance the UNAMID said.
The 7000 IPDs living near the site of the hybrid force receive health and medical services only from the UNAMID clinic which is visited by 120-130 people every week, the humanitarian body said based on reports received form African Union United Nation operation.
However, “UNAMID clinic does not have enough medical supplies and lacks maternal care facilities”, the report said
The entire 25,000 residents deserted Labado and the hospital has been closed since last April clashes between the Sudanese army and Sudan Liberation Movement rebels led by Minni Minnawi. Some of them sought refuge near the UNAMID site while others moved to South Darfur.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned against an outbreak of whooping cough that in North Darfur’s El Sireaf locality saying one person died and 30 people have been contaminated.
The international head body said 29 of the 30 persons affected by the illness are young children under five years. A vaccination campaign is conducted in the area to prevent its spread into other localities.
Whooping cough most commonly affects children and can be fatal, especially for babies less than 1 year of age.
This cough which is also called Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is particularly dangerous because it initially presents with symptoms similar to the common cold: nasal congestion and a mild cough.
(ST)