On 18 January 2017, the Bangladesh Contingent of UNAMID conducted free medical services at Ardamata prison in El Geneina, West Darfur.

More than 100 male and female patients made up of prison officers and inmates benefited from the exercise. They received antibiotics, antimalarial and vitamin medicines. In addition, wheelchairs, sewing machines and winter clothes were distributed to vulnerable people at Ardamata internally displaced persons (IDP) camp.

The Bangladesh Contingent Commander, Lt. Col. Mizannur Rahman, expressed that this initiative is to complement the efforts of UNAMID and the Government of Sudan in the protection of vulnerable people who may not have access to basic health services. “I was pleased with the high turnout of patients and attributed the campaign’s success to concerted efforts by all parties involved”, Rahman added.

Head of West Darfur Prisons, Captain Khamis Mogadam, commended UNAMID for facilitating the delivery of the medical services to both prison officers and inmates and stated that this campaign reflects the mission’s willingness to support not only prisoners, but also the entire population of Darfur. He equally commented thus: “Actually there have been several cases of illness that required medical treatment and such campaigns help to support efforts by health institutions, while alleviating the suffering of prisoners.” 

This is the third free medical campaign organized by the Bangladesh contingent in El Geneina and the first initiative at the prison. Previous campaigns took place at Krinding 2 and Ardamata IDP camps in August and November 2016 respectively and reached out to 500 people. The contingent also distributed wheelchairs and sewing machines at these previous campaigns.