The war and life pressures in Sudan’s West Darfur have led to a significant increase in mental health problems among the population, local medics have said.

Health centres, including the Model Center, El-Geneina Hospital, the Nutrition Center, and the African Center, are now offering mental health services to address the growing need.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj from El Geneina town on Thursday, Dr. Omar Abdel Latif, a psychologist in El Geneina town, shed light on the mental health crisis in the area and said there is a significant rise in mental health cases.

He stated, “Several healthcare centres in the state are now providing mental health services, including the Model Center, El-Geneina Hospital, the Nutrition Center, and the African Center.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Mohamad Al-Muwaffaq, a urologist, highlighted the significant efforts of volunteers in revitalizing healthcare services in West Darfur. He noted, “More than 90% of both private and public health institutions in the state have resumed operations thanks to the dedicated work of volunteers.

 However, he underscored the adverse impact of healthcare professional migration and the war-induced devastation of the healthcare system.

Dr. Al-Muwaffaq also expressed deep concerns about the critical shortage of essential medicines, saying that most health centres have exhausted their supplies, with no means of replenishing them due to the ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, the medical doctor sounded an alarm regarding the outbreak of unidentified fevers, which are suspected to be Dengue. These fevers have claimed lives due to inadequate sanitation, the proliferation of mosquitoes, and parasitic infections, he added.

“Common diseases among women and children in the region include malnutrition, malaria, and diarrhoea, in addition to these unidentified fevers,” he said. “Regrettably, the only health facility capable of providing comprehensive health services is situated at the state headquarters, and it operates at less than its minimum capacity.”