On 10 February 2017, UNAMID concluded a five-day first aid training programme, attended by 36 participants in El Geneina, West Darfur. The programme was run by the Mission's Bangladeshi Medical Section and counted health workers, teachers from Krinding and Ardamata camps for the internally displaced as well as representatives of the Faculty of Health Science, El Geneina University, as participants. It aimed at enhancing participants' knowledge of first aid for common health conditions and medical emergencies.

Topics covered during the training programme included basic concepts of health and primary care; managing unconscious patients; treating wounds and injuries caused by road traffic accidents, burning, drowning as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation; measurement of vital statistics (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate); care for nursing mothers; conducting vaccination programmes and awareness-raising on common sexually-transmitted diseases.

In his remarks to the participants, Oumar Kane, Head of Office, UNAMID Sector West, said that such programmes are exceedingly beneficial in enhancing participants' knowledge, thereby significantly promoting quality healthcare in their localities.

Aadulaziz Saeed, Director-General, Ministry of Health, West Darfur, commended UNAMID for its continued support with regards to delivery of health services. Additionally, he commended the Mission for organizing several free medical clinics in the camps for displaced people in the area. “First aid is critical in saving people’s lives. Such training programmes build the capacity of our health workers and enable them to provide quality health services in the future. We urge UNAMID to continue collaborating with us to improve healthcare across West Darfur," added Mr. Saeed.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Zaki Khamis, affirmed their intention to utilize the acquired knowledge for the benefit of  local communities and urged UNAMID to conduct similar training programmes in other parts of Darfur.