Sudan: Supporting health care for populations fleeing Abyei
Following clashes between northern and southern forces, the North Sudanese army has reportedly taken control of Abyei Area. Most of the population has left Abyei Town and more are expected to flee south in the coming days (Abyei area has an estimated population of 110 000).
On 25 May, a State Ministry of Health (MoH) and WHO mission to Muglad hospital, in neighbouring West Kordofan, reported 71 admissions for injuries.
The State hospital in Abyei is no longer functioning and health staff has been relocated to Agok in Warrap State. The imminent rainy season, combined with population movements and a weak health system, is expected to have a harmful effect on health, particularly among children who are most at risk of acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, malnutrition and malaria.
The immediate needs of displaced people are shelter, food and access to safe water and sanitation. The influx of population in the villages neighbouring Abyei will likely affect local capacities to provide primary health care services. An inter-agency rapid assessment to Turalei, Mayen Abun and Wunrok has shown that mobile clinic support will be essential to sustain access to health care for local and displaced people. In Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, an interagency assessment was conducted in Aweil East county following reports of IDPs from Abyie area.
Health Cluster partners have updated the inventory of available stocks and resources and mapped surge capacity and gaps at state level. They are also assessing the availability of antigens for immunization. The Health Cluster coordination meetings will be held in Wunrok, Warrap State, where most health partners are based.
As part of the referendum contingency planning, WHO and health partners have positioned essential medicines and supplies in Abyei as well as in neighbouring Unity, Warrap and Western Barh-El-Ghazal States.