Sudan: Emergency in the Contested Area of Abyei

People in southern Sudan, including the border area of Abyei, are grappling with chronic malnutrition, epidemics, and deadly diseases—on top of the continuing violence. MSF's presence in the region is extremely important, but escalating tensions have blocked people's access to what little health care is available.

People are forced to flee their homes due to violence – and many have died. In 2008, the town of Abyei was almost totally destroyed by fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and government forces. The burnt remains of buildings serve as a reminder of these tragic events.

Thousands of people fled the fighting and sought refuge in nearby towns. They are slowly returning and building precarious shelters in the area surrounding Abyei.

More than 75 percent of the population of southern Sudan has no access to health care.

MSF has been working in the Abyei region since April 2006. The team runs an 80-bed hospital in Agok, a small town in the south of the region, and a clinic in the town of Abyei that is open seven days a week, providing lifesaving care.

Women and children are the first to suffer from the lack of health care. Mother and child mortality rates in the region are extremely high.

In Abyei and Agok, the MSF team provided more than 27,800 outpatient consultations and carried out prenatal consultations with 4,368 pregnant women between January and November 2010.

More than 2,580 children were treated for malnutrition by MSF in Abyei and Agok during the same period.

In the lead up to January 9 – the date of the referendum in which the population of Abyei will choose to become part of either southern or northern Sudan – the situation is become more tense. Several areas have become inaccessible to MSF mobile medical clinics.

Today more than ever, MSF’s role in Sudan is vital – to bring help and health care to those in need, and to reach out to the most vulnerable people, regardless of their religion, sex, or ethnic origin.

Sudan: Emergency in the Contested Area of Abyei

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Sudan: Emergency in the Contested Area of Abyei

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