On 8 November 2016, UNAMID’s Civil Affairs Section, in collaboration with WHO (World Health Organization) and Ministry of Health, North Darfur conducted an integrated assessment mission to Umsayalla area in Alwaha locality, North Darfur, to identify urgent humanitarian needs in the area.

Lack of health services, water, education and the security situation were major concerns raised during the meeting the assessment team held with the community leaders of Umsayalla area.  The meeting, chaired by the Nazir (Tribal leader) of Umsayalla area, Ibrahim Abddah, highlighted the critical need for basic social services such as health and education.

“We appreciate UNAMIND initiatives aimed at restoring peace, stability and development in our area. We need schools, clinics and water for the local communities. The Native Administration in the area is committed to the maintenance of peaceful co-existence and coherence among the various tribes and constantly urges the local community to avoid conflict and clashes, especially during the harvest season when conflict, amongst herders and farmers, is on the rise,” Mr. Abddah stated.

During the visit, UNAMID handed over medical supplies to Umsayalla Rural Hospital. This hospital is the only medical facility that provides health services to people living in the area and surrounding villages but lacks vital medical items such as vaccination equipment, first aid kits and nutritional supplements.

Essa Hamdan, Medical Assistant at Umsayalla Rural Hospital, explained that although short staffed, the facility attends to many patients suffering from wide ranging diseases such as respiratory infections, malaria, diarrhea, eye infections and fever. “The medical supplies received from UNAMID will go a long way in assisting our patients and will definitely save lives in this community,” Mr. Hamdan added.

UNAMID’s Civil Affairs Officer, Mr. Frank Adarkwah-Yiadom, affirmed the Mission’s commitment to its mandated responsibilities across Darfur region, stating that UNAMID will endeavor to support, within its limited resources, some development projects that enhance peace and stability within the local populace. The Mission will also continue to facilitate and support other United Nations and related humanitarian agencies to access needy communities in its area of responsibility.