The African Union United Nation Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on 17 December handed over a health center, to the State Ministry of Health, in Matbaa locality, located approximately 35 kilometers east of El Fasher, North Darfur. The center was built by the local youth who participated in one of the Mission’s Community Labour Intensive Projects (CLIPs).

The facility, which is composed of two examination rooms, pharmacy and toilets, will be the first to provide health services in the area and will benefit six villages around the Matbaa.

UNAMID’s CLIPs are aimed at promoting reduction of violence in strategic locations across Darfur by targeting youth and vulnerable groups and engaging them in rebuilding their fragile communities. The project provides an opportunity to the groups to learn a variety of livelihood skills, and to improving their employability and social integration.

To date, the Mission, in collaboration with the Nongovernmental Organization Plan Sudan, has implemented six CLIPs in several North Darfur localities including Althoura Shemal, Lowabeid, Umrahik, Tawila and Matbaa, targeting 480 youth these communities.