MSF assists newly displaced people in Shangil Tobaya, Sudan

Clashes near Shangil Tobaya, a town in Northern Darfur, Sudan, have led to a number of casualties and the displacement of hundreds of families. The medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has treated 12 wounded people since 20 October in its medical facility. Nine had to be referred to Al-Fashir Teaching Hospital. All nine patients are in a stable condition.

MSF has so far distributed essential household items to about 3,300 people affected by this recent fighting, who have sought refuge in Um Dressaya and Shangil Tobaya. However, additional non-food-item distributions are necessary due to the arrival of more displaced people in the last few days. The basic household items, such as plastic sheeting, blankets, mats, soap and jerry cans, will help people cope with the situation while additional needs are being addressed by other organisations in the area.

"Some people had to flee with very few belongings and food, and they are scared so MSF has sent a team for immediate assistance," said Christine BUESSER, MSF Deputy-Head of Mission in Sudan.

MSF has also sent a team of medical personnel and community health workers to follow up on the displaced people's general health and to conduct rapid nutritional screenings on the children. The children will be included in the on-going polio vaccination campaign, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Health with support from MSF.

MSF is liaising with other actors in South Darfur to provide assistance in areas where other smaller groups of people have fled to.

MSF has been working in Sudan since 1979, and currently has projects in the Red Sea State, Southern Kordofan, Northern Darfur, Abyei and Southern Sudan.