Port Sudan, Sudan - July 20, 2024

A group of medical professionals in Sudan has launched a mobile clinic project to provide essential medical care for displaced communities in the war-torn country.

Since Sudan erupted into war more than a year ago, an estimated 7.3 million people have been internally displaced, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). These individuals have sought refuge in shelters with rudimentary conditions and limited medical supplies.

In response, doctors from Port Sudan initiated the mobile clinic project, aiming to offer free medical services to about 5,000 local displaced persons.

The project has successfully operated with over 50 medical workers and volunteers along with support from charity organizations. Staff and volunteers conduct "health days" at multiple shelters and operate a mobile medical laboratory, providing regular on-site diagnoses and medical check-ups for displaced persons.

Many of Sudan's shelters face funding limitations, lacking professional manpower and resources for medical rescue efforts. They are also overcrowded with poor sanitation conditions, making them vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks.

The introduction of the mobile clinic has been crucial in providing much-needed medications and medical services to displaced persons.

Recognizing that about half of the sheltered displaced persons are minors, the mobile clinics not only provide medical services but also organize cultural and sports activities for them.

The mobile clinic project has been operational for over six months, aiding thousands of displaced persons. However, the project faces challenges, primarily due to insufficient funds and a shortage of medical supplies.

As Sudan approaches the rainy season, known for its susceptibility to infectious disease outbreaks, medical professionals behind the mobile clinics are striving to procure medications. They also hope for an end to the conflict soon, enabling all displaced persons to return home.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out in April 2023. As of May, more than 16,000 have been killed and millions displaced since the conflict erupted, according to a UNOCHA report.

Shotlist:
Port Sudan, Sudan - July 20, 2024:
1. Various of patients waiting outside mobile clinic;
2. Various of doctors receiving patients; laboratory technicians, pharmacy staff at work;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Enas Othman, doctor, mobile clinic:
"The mobile clinic project brings together doctors, laboratory technicians, and pharmacy staff. We bring our equipment to the shelters to provide medical services. Normally, we spend the entire day there, conducting thorough medical examinations for displaced persons and offering medication and treatment.";
4. Othman talking to child during consultation;
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Yasser Moatasem, displaced person:
"Most children here have health issues. Some have infections, some have illnesses, some have abnormal findings in urine or blood tests, and some have eye problems. Everyone receives assistance from the mobile clinic. Many adults with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension also receive medication from the mobile clinic.";
6. Various of displaced children participating in games, music sessions; child reading picture book;
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nihal Abdel Aziz Muhammad, volunteer, mobile clinic:
"To support the children here, we organize games, music sessions, and drawing activities. During treatments for sick children, we also use music and drawing as supportive tools.";
8. Various of children participating in drawing sessions;
9. Various of doctor receiving child patient;
10. Various of pharmacy staff, doctors at work;
11. Various of displaced children.

[Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya TV/Middle East Broadcasting Center]