COVID-19 reported in the Nuba Mountains
One year after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, Operation Broken Silence can confirm that the virus has reached the Nuba Mountains of Sudan and affiliated areas, such as nearby Yida Refugee Camp.
All of the Sudanese-led programs Operation Broken Silence supports are in these areas.
Background
The Nuba Mountains region has always been one of the most isolated places on the planet. Rural, oppressed, and often under siege, the estimated 1.3 million people who live in the mountains, surrounding farming areas, and nearby refugee camps face a myriad of challenges forced on them by Islamic extremists and racist government officials.
Travel in and out of the Nuba Mountains has been extremely limited for years due to the war. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since 2016, and Sudan’s peaceful 2019 revolution ushered in a fragile transitional government. Sadly, paramilitaries built up under the previous regime continue to wage a shadow war in several frontline areas. Many people in Yida Refugee Camp still cannot return home. A permanent peace agreement remains elusive.
For these reasons, the Nuba Mountains essentially operates as a de facto country within Sudan’s borders. Travel to the area has opened up a little over the last two years, but there is still no widespread population movement between government and rebel-controlled areas. Between that and the general isolation of the area , there was a modest chance that COVID-19 would not touch the area.
COVID-19 Confirmation
Three weeks ago, our education partner reported to us that several suspected cases of COVID-19 had been detected in Yida Refugee Camp. More recently, a few isolated cases have been confirmed in the Nuba Mountains as well.
There are reasons to hope. In mid-March, Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains completed construction of two isolation wards. The staff worked well to “flip into COVID-mode.” Only a few isolated cases have been confirmed so far. Much of Nuba culture and commerce happens in outdoor spaces, and many Nuba communities are fairly spacious due to the rural setting.
There are also reasons to be concerned. Healthcare access is severely limited in the Nuba Mountains and medical resources are scarce. Testing and surveillance capacity are also limited. While the situation appears to be under control for now, a major COVID outbreak could quickly overwhelm the area.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
A vaccination campaign for the Nuba people is most likely a ways off, but there are still ways to help save lives.
Mother of Mercy Hospital is the backbone of the healthcare system in the Nuba Mountains. The only referral hospital in the region, their facilities in Gidel and the string of community clinics they oversee have always needed more funding. Every year, they serve well over 100,000 patients by performing operations, battling cancer and preventable diseases, and bringing new children into the world.
You can help the staff continue their life-saving work amidst COVID-19 by making a donation, starting a fundraising page, or giving monthly.
Additional ways to support:
Make checks payable to Operation Broken Silence, write Hospital in the memo line, and mail to P.O. Box 770900 Memphis, TN, 38177-0900
About Us
Operation Broken Silence is building a global movement to empower the Sudanese people through innovative programs as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
We focus on empowering Sudanese change makers and their critical work. Learn more here.
Donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Give here.
