WHO/HAC) Highlights - No 34: Monday, 8 November 2004
Health Action in Crises (WHO/HAC) Highlights - No 34: Monday, 8 November 2004 The WHO/HQ Department for Health Action in Crises aims to produce a running note on select current issues at weekly intervals. This note—which is by no means exhaustive— is designed for internal use and does not reflect the official position of WHO. SUDAN - Darfur Crisis - Assessments and events: • Throughout the Darfur, clinically diagnosed malaria still accounts for most mortality and morbidity reported through the WHO-instigated Early Warning and Response Network (EWARN). • In North Darfur, preparations have begun for the 21 November polio campaign. Service provision agreements have been established between WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs for certain Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) areas. • A gap analysis in West Darfur has highlighted a chronic shortage of health staff and facilities. ¾ Only four out of six hospitals are providing services. ¾ There is one surgeon and no paediatricians, obstetricians, gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, orthopaedic surgeons, or dentists. ¾ There is no transport (e.g., ambulances) in the health sector. • It is with great sadness that we report the death of Ministry of Health Surgeon Dr Ihab on 5 November during a hold-up on the Nyala-Kass Road, South Darfur. Actions: • In West Darfur, WHO rehabilitated the laboratory, blood bank, gynaecology, female surgical and medical wards of El Geneina State Hospital, as well as contributed a generator, electrical goods and furniture. WHO also provided inputs to six rural hospitals that—in total—serve an estimated population of 336,240. • In West Darfur, WHO donated 10,000 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (to assist in the diagnosis of malaria) and 11 Basic Emergency Kits (each meeting the needs of a population of 1,000 for a period of three months) to NGOs.
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