Call for popular initiative to treat skin diseases in West Darfur

The Sudanese opposition umbrella group, the National Consensus Forces (NCF), has directed an urgent appeal to all Sudanese and in particular health workers to provide aid as quickly as possible to the victims of scabies, leishmaniasis (Kala Azar) and other skin diseases that affected thousands of people in the locality of Kereinik, West Darfur. Farouk Abu Issa, chairperson of the NCF, appealed through Radio Dabanga to all Sudanese to support a popular ‘rescue action’ and not to wait for the official institutions to provide assistance, especially in the light of the silence and intransigence of the government. He proposed the establishment of a “rescue team” and the sending of an urgent medical convoy to treat “our people in the affected areas” in West Darfur. Abu Issa also appealed to all the media, pharmaceutical companies, businessmen, as well as citizens, especially students, young people and women, to act for the success of this popular initiative. The parents of basic school pupils at three camps for the displaced in El Geneina locality, West Darfur, have complained of the spread of scabies. They have demanded the authorities to quickly intervene to treat the children. The minister of Education and Acting minister of Health of West Darfur state, Adam Yahiya Bashir, acknowledged to Radio Dabanga that around 70 to 80 cases of scabies were found in each of the three camp schools. He confirmed that medications will be accessed on Tuesday and that an awareness raising campaign on hygiene has helped to combat the disease. File photo Related: Health Ministry investigates skin disease spread in West Darfur (20 September 2013) Sudan government failing to provide health care: sheikh (19 September 2013)