Free health services bring hope to displaced families in East Darfur
By Samreen Abuidris
For Shadia Yousif Bakheit, her first days of displacement were overwhelming. Forced to flee her home in Khartoum State due to the ongoing Sudan conflict that began in 2023, Shadia arrived in East Darfur State’s capital, Al Daein, and settled in Lagawa camp.
“My child and I suffered greatly upon arrival at the camp,” recalled Shadia. "I had severe abdominal pain and even collapsed one day. My family took me to the Lagawa mobile clinic [in the camp]. I received all health services for free, and I am now in good condition.”
Her son also fell ill and received care at the clinic.
“My child was suffering from acute tonsillitis. He was examined, given the appropriate medicine, and is now perfectly healthy,” she added.
Community lifeline
Dr. Alaa Mohamed, a physician at the mobile clinic, run by Alight, a non-governmental organization, with SHF’s support explained how the services were first set up.
“The initial idea was to provide free health services to the displaced people in Lagawa camp,” she explained. “But we started receiving many patients from other camps and even members of the host community. We never turn anyone away.”
Operating three days a week, the Lagawa mobile clinic serves an average of 100 patients per day, providing essential healthcare at no cost.
The clinic offers a comprehensive range of services, including a fully stocked pharmacy, a laboratory with rapid diagnostic testing, immunizations, antenatal care and follow-up support for pregnant and lactating women.
It also provides psychosocial support to patients in need. In addition, the mobile unit is equipped with a delivery facility, ensuring that mothers can receive safe care close to home. The clinic serves around 86,000 people including internally displaced families and host communities.
“The needs here are immense. All displaced people surrounding Lagawa camp come here for treatment. Without the clinic, the suffering of the displaced would have been much greater,” said Ahmed Osman, a community leader at the camp.
SHF has significantly scaled up its support to meet escalating humanitarian needs triggered by the conflict. In East Darfur, the fund disbursed US$ 17.3 million in 2024 and 2025 in support of life-saving assistance for 1 million people.
As funding cuts continue to affect the most vulnerable people in crisis countries, OCHA is running a 87-day campaign to rally support from new and existing donors for 87 million people with most severe needs covered by our global humanitarian appeal.
Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support.