High cost of living in IDP camps causing misery

There are reports of the cost of living rising in camps for internally displaced people (IDP) across Darfur. A resident of Garsila camp in the Wadi Saleh locality in Western Darfur said the high prices coupled with the decline in aid, which is at its lowest level yet, are causing increasing misery and suffering for the residents. He said that the price of a pound of sugar now costs between two and three Sudanese pounds (SDG). A half a litre plastic bottle of cooking oil is priced at 12 SDG. A bunch of four tomatoes reached 4 SDG. He told Radio Dabanga the situation for displaced people at Garsila was draconian, and unable for most people to fully grasp. Children forced to work The source said that the deteriorating economic situation has pushed children aged 10 and 11 years living in Garsila to beg and work in the market, at shops, cafes and cleaning motors. He said some of these children were orphans who lost their parents during the war. Others were from families that couldn’t afford the annual tuition fees for school. Many of the children were described simply as ‘hanging around’. Malnutrition and anaemia killing a person a day The deterioration of living conditions and high cost of living has also led to an increase in hunger related health issues such as anaemia. A camp activist at Garsila said a person a day dies as a result of conditions arising from severe hunger and anaemia. Overcrowding at hospitals and lack of facilities are also causing problems. The witness said that many families suffering from anaemia at hospitals were demanding donated blood, but the hospital started to charge one pound at the gate and 10 Sudanese pounds for patients to see the doctor. He said many were unable to afford this charge, and as a result waiting and dying at home.