Eye, skin and intestinal diseases spread in North Darfur camps

Abu Shouk, Al Salaam and Zam Zam internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in North Darfur have complained about the spread of diseases, particularly eye, skin and intestinal conditions. A displaced resident told Radio Dabanga that cases of the three types of diseases have increased dramatically, particularly amongst children and the elderly. He said health authorities had not notified camp residents of the emergence of these diseases, which along with the lack of available medicines has allowed them to spread quickly. Medicines sold at pharmacies in local markets are also too expensive for IDPs. The witness added that the spread is also thought to be caused by the general deteriorating circumstances of the environment, and severe shortages of water. He said IDPs have taken to fetching water from roadsides and other unsafe sources. New IDPs arriving on a daily basisAnother witness said that the three camps are receiving a heavy flow of new IDPs from various parts of North Darfur, particularly Dar El Salaam amd Tawila localities. He noted that the new IDPs have not been given registration cards required to receive aid, causing heavy pressure on veteran IDP families that are hosting the new. The witness added that the camps expect to become home to more displaced families over the coming weeks, particularly as many localities in the state are experiencing large shortages in food and water. He appealed to state authorities and humanitarian organisations to move quickly to address the conditions of the newly displaced families.