Bridging the Health Gap in East Darfur

As a result of the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) in East Darfur face a range of challenges related to accessing adequate medical services. In East Darfur, as well as other regions in Sudan, a large number of health facilities are out of service due to their location in conflict zones or a lack of medical supplies. Despite these extremely complex circumstances, World Vision continues to provide health services, especially to the most vulnerable communities.

Forty-two-year-old Jamila, a mother of three children, is one of hundreds of people supported by World Vision to access appropriate medical care. According to a survey conducted by World Vision's nutrition and health team at the camp, Jamila’s case of night blindness was categorised as requiring urgent intervention. Further follow-up revealed that her daily activities were severely affected because her diurnal vision had been seriously impaired, with partial damage to her retina and cornea. Jamila’s family members had to guide her around the house, helping her reach the kitchen or toilet. Medical checks confirmed that a micronutrient deficiency, particularly of vitamin A, was the cause of her night blindness.

I thought I had lost my sight forever,” says Jamila. “But when World Vision’s team visited me, a little hope awakened, and I began to dream that I would recover soon."

Through the support of the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), World Vision is providing opportunities for IDPs to access health services, and Jamila is one of those benefiting from this support. With assistance from the World Vision team, Jamila was referred to an ophthalmology clinic where she received the appropriate treatment. Recently, Jamila has shown significant recovery and has regained her sight. She can now move around the house without guidance.

In coordination with the GFFO project team and the UNHCR project team, World Vision’s support has extended to improving the nutritional status of Jamila’s household. Jamila now receives nutritional support from World Vision, including a food basket, to help her overcome vitamin A deficiency as quickly as possible.

World Vision remains committed to addressing the health and nutrition challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Sudan, bringing hope and healing to families like Jamila’s.