Zalingei, March 3(Darfur24)
The Minister of Health in the Civil Administration affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces(RSF) in Central Darfur State revealed on Monday that 30 health centers in the state closed as the US president froze foreign aid.
US President Donald Trump had decided to end several aid programs, most of which are run by the US Agency for International Development.
The Minister of Health in Central Darfur State, Mohamed El-Amin Rizq Allah, said in a statement to Darfur24 thatforeign humanitarian organizations working in the health sector informed him that their services had stopped in at least 30 health centers in the city of Zalingei due to the suspension of US foreign aid.
He added: “The health situation has become very critical, especially since we are unable to operate health centers due to our weak financial capabilities and the suspension of central support for more than two years.”
He warned of the danger of the continued deterioration of health and treatment services.
On February 24, the World Health Organization WHO said that the US funding freeze affected 335 health facilities, including 57 in Darfur.
It said that Darfur bears a disproportionate burden in the health response due to the increasing number of displaced people and affected communities, as health facilities face severe shortages of supplies, equipment and staff.
WHO stated that the limited access of Darfur residents to clean water exacerbates health risks and increases the likelihood of disease outbreaks, while the absence of laboratory services hinders diagnostic capabilities.
The United Nations says that Darfur is facing a horrific humanitarian crisis, with 79% of its population in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.