UNAMID organizes health awareness seminar for university students in West Darfur

Photo by Muntasir Sharafadin, UNAMID.

Photo by Muntasir Sharafadin, UNAMID.

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6 Feb 2017

UNAMID organizes health awareness seminar for university students in West Darfur

On 31 January 2017, UNAMID peacekeepers from Bangladesh conducted a health awareness seminar on HIV/AIDS and malaria at the University of El Geneina, West Darfur. More than 800 students attended the event, which is part of the Mission’s continued efforts to provide medical support to the people of Darfur and to increase their awareness on the two diseases. More than 100 students underwent voluntary testing, of whom nearly 80 were screened for malaria and 20 for HIV/AIDS.

Amro Mansour, Deputy Commander, UNAMID Sector West, commended the joint cooperation between UNAMID and El Geneina University and highlighted the importance of raising awareness among the host community on such diseases. “Students are the future leaders of the country. If they are well trained and educated they will be an asset to the country,” said Colonel Mansour.

On his part, Lieutenant-Colonel Mizannur Rahman, Bangladesh Contingent Commander, UNAMID,  said that awareness activities on HIV/AIDS and malaria as well as providing medical support to the local population is in line with UNAMID’s core mandate of protection of  civilians.

In his remarks,Taha Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, University of El Geneina, expressed his appreciation of UNAMID for organizing such an event, which, he said, helps to curb the spread of diseases by enhancing students’ knowledge. “This event will contribute immensely towards sharpening the educational skills of the students, particularly those in the Faculty of Health Sciences. We hope that our students will share the information they receive with their communities. We also encourage UNAMID to organize similar events at various educational institutions across Darfur,” Dr. Taha averred.  

The Mission's Bangladeshi contingent has conducted three free medical clinics at Krinding and Ardamata camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), as well as in Ardamata prison, West Darfur.