Over the past five years, thousands of refugees have returned to Sudan. As the long term conflict has devastated the country’s infrastructure, returnees and IDPs face tremendous difficulties having their basic needs met. According to AHA’s food security and livelihood assessment for 2009, the displacement of a significant number of people also increases the vulnerability of the non-displaced population. Consequently, there is an enormous need to meet the economic and social needs of refugees and IDPs in Sudan.
In 2010, AHA raised funds to provide aid to an increased number of beneficiaries in Northern Darfur. During the first half of the year, AHA and its partner organizations were responsible for the provision of food milling vouchers, agricultural seeds & tools, non-food items, and primary health care to 589,409 people. Additionally, Training of Trainers was provided on Blanket supplementary Feeding Programme (BSFP) sensitization for 250 trainers in 10 locations.
Community leaders were also engaged in similar awareness creation exercises in most BSFP distribution locations.
In Primary Health Care, AHA has been striving to meet the basic needs of communities in Northern Darfur with its own seed money. AHA conducted physical screening of children under the age of five. Moreover, having received sufficient assistance from AHA, senior voluntary returnees have reached their destination in safety and dignity.
AHA’s priorities in Sudan are offering medical assistance, ensuring the equality of gender, and providing awareness training for the youth. Rehabilitation and construction of schools are amongst the projects planned for returnees.