The emergency preparedness and humanitarian action programme in North Darfur continues to lead the humanitarian response and coordination in the health sector.
It works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and nongovernmental organizations to reduce the health consequences of emergencies and conflicts, and to minimize their social and economic impact on internally-dispaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable populations.
The interventions focus on emergency preparedness, improved response, capacity-building, service delivery, need assessments, essential drugs and medical supplies, monitoring and supervision, environmental health and strengthening health systems.
The security situation in North Darfur is curtailing access to health services and basic amenities, exacerbating the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies and vulnerable populations.
During 2011, North Darfur saw a reduction in the number of international health partners with only 18 national and international health partners working in the state, together with the State Ministry of Heath. Of these, 13 are present in El Fasher locality alone, while other localities have only up to five. The State Ministry of Health runs 54% of the functioning facilities in North Darfur. In 2011, 208 out of 263 facilities served host, returnee and IDPs, giving a 79% coverage rate for the basic health package of health services.
Communicable diseases contribute to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Epidemics such as meningococcal diseases, measles, hepatitis A and diphtheria are increasingly detected and managed. A compounding factor is the large influx of new IDPs from different areas of South and North Darfur.
WHO collaboration with the State Ministry of Health to strengthen health systems for delivery and the stewardship of health services has been a success. The contribution focused on the health management information system, disease surveillance system and the main elements of primary health care.
In photos: WHO's interventions in North Darfur
