On 27 May 2014, as part of ongoing efforts to assist local communities across Darfur, UNAMID peacekeepers from Nigeria provided medical care for more than 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Khur Umar camp in El Daein, East Darfur.

The displaced persons were treated for various illnesses, including meningitis and skin infections such as scabies, ringworm, rashes and boils. Additionally, the peacekeepers, as a personal initiative, presented necessary items, such as stationery, detergent and prayer mats, to the displaced and also provided shoes to the children at the camp.

“UNAMID is always willing to render whatever assistance it can provide to enhance the existing relationship between peacekeepers and the people of Darfur,” said Major Benedict Ezeh, Nigerian Protection Force.

The Sultan of the camp, Sheikh Ibrahim Will thanked UNAMID and appealed for more such health care-based activities. “Being displaced from our homes, we require a great deal of assistance since we do not have the means to purchase drugs when prescribed,” he added.

Similar initiatives have taken place in displaced persons camps across Darfur.