Grave Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

In the war-torn regions of Sudan, a grave humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, exacerbated by a resurgence of a deadly measles outbreak. From June to October 2023, the Central Darfur area, particularly Rokero, saw more than 1,000 reported measles cases, predominantly affecting children under the age of five.

Vaccination Campaign by Doctors Without Borders

In response to this alarming situation, the charity organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) mobilized a crucial vaccination campaign that successfully inoculated 9,634 children, primarily targeting those between 6 to 59 months old—an age group highly susceptible to severe complications from measles.

Community Response and Challenges Faced

“We were terrified for our children,” recounts Fatima, a local mother of three. “When our village started reporting illnesses, we jumped at the opportunity for vaccination.” Her sentiments echo the desperation shared among many families battling this outbreak.

The road to success in this vaccination mission was far from smooth. Marwan Taher, MSF’s project coordinator in Rokero, explained the significant hurdles faced: “Accessibility was a major challenge. We had to navigate treacherous roads and deal with inconsistent vaccine supplies. But our goal was to protect lives, and it motivated us through tough times.”

Vital Community Involvement

Community involvement was vital to the campaign’s success. MSF teams liaised with local leaders to raise awareness and ensure that information reached even the most isolated villages, employing donkeys, tuk-tuks, and vehicles to traverse the challenging landscape. They set up clinics in common areas such as schools, markets, and makeshift health facilities, making it easier for villagers to access health services amidst a backdrop of rugged terrain and frequent roadblocks.

Struggles to Vaccinate Amidst Risks

Many families undertook strenuous journeys to reach vaccination points, often facing danger along the way. Abdurrahman, a father of five, shared his experience: “The journey was harrowing, with muddy paths from rain the night before. But seeing children fall sick drove us to move forward. Now, I’m relieved my kids are protected from this disease.”

Ongoing Healthcare Needs

This vaccination initiative, however, represents only a fraction of the urgent healthcare needs in the region. With ongoing conflict between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023, the humanitarian disaster has worsened. MSF is now emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to address broader health challenges, including malnutrition.

“Having my children vaccinated eases my fears, but we still face a battle to keep them healthy,” Fatima urged, reflecting the ongoing struggles within the community.

Critical Humanitarian Situation

The war has led to a staggering humanitarian catastrophe, significantly impacting access to essential needs like food. MSF reported alarming rates of malnutrition, screening children vaccinated during the campaign. Among them, 299 children under five were found to suffer from severe acute malnutrition, while 1,062 others faced moderate acute malnutrition.

Call for International Support

“The situation in Rokero is critical,” said Merce Rocaspana, MSF’s emergency health adviser. “The war continues to exacerbate health crises, highlighting the need for comprehensive medical support.”

With the future of thousands hanging in the balance, experts are calling for an urgent boost in routine immunization programs, nutritional support, and investments in healthcare infrastructure to prevent further outbreaks and protect the vulnerable population in Sudan. Will the international community heed the call to action before it’s too late?