Dire health situation in North and West Darfur

People in North and West Darfur complain about the deterioration of health services, and an unprecedented increase in malaria cases.

People in North and West Darfur complain about the deterioration of health services, and an unprecedented increase in malaria cases.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a listener in North Darfur’s Mellit reported a “rapid deterioration in the provision of health care.

“This year, we witnessed a substantial shortfall in medical services. The Mellit Hospital and clinics are almost devoid of the necessary equipment, and the wards are barely manned,” he said.

He attributed the dire situation to a lack of funding.

Malaria spreading fast’

El Geneina Teaching Hospital in the West Darfur capital is overcrowded.

“Apart from the lack of wards, we all suffer from a shortage of affordable medicines,” a patient reported from the hospital.

“The number of people stricken with malaria is unprecedented. The area has not witnessed such high numbers of malaria cases for decades.”

He appealed to the West Darfur Health Ministry to provide free medications, “because most patients are poor and cannot afford the exorbitant medicines prices”.