‘Sudan security denying drugs distribution’ in displaced camp

The population of a Central Darfur camp disclosed the site is lacking medicines for the last two months as Sudanese security authorities have blocked their distribution. Nertiti residents said the situation is leading them to resort to traditional treatments and to healers, noting the general health condition in the camp is “deteriorating”. The camp’s only medical center catering for the 47,000 residents of Nertiti is managed by Norwegian churches; however, it does not have any more drugs in stock to offer the displaced. Sources are urging Zalingei security authorities to allow the distribution of medication in the area especially as most patients are children, women and elders. The displaced added they do not have enough money to purchase drugs at the market. Hypertension Separately, the undersecretary of the federal ministry of health Dr. Essam Al Din Mohamed Abdullah revealed that 25 percent of the Sudanese population suffers of hypertension. The condition could eventually lead to heart failure or stroke, for instance. For his part, Dr. Ibtisam Mohamed Ali, president of the Hypertension Association, disclosed that most cases of the condition are found in displaced camps across Darfur. In line with a study conducted by the Association, hypertension is the main reason for early death which mostly affects age groups above 25 years old.File photo: Displaced in Kassab camp wait to be examined by doctors (Albert González Farran/ UNAMID)