Updates & Alerts

Responding to Yellow Fever Outbreak in Darfur

Following an outbreak of yellow fever in Darfur, International Medical Corps is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the local Ministry of Health to help control the spread of the disease including participating in a mass vaccination campaign for vulnerable communities.

According to WHO, yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Up to 50% of severely affected persons without treatment will die from the disease. Vaccination is the most important preventive measure against yellow fever.

First detected in Darfur around Nertiti, the disease is now spreading rapidly to several locations in Central Darfur State as well as West and South Darfur.   International Medical Corps’ sites in Nyala, Wadi Salih and Zalingei are reported to be among the affected areas. In addition to participating in the vaccination campaign, we have trained our local staff on prevention methods and are cleaning and disinfecting our sites to prevent further spread of the disease.  International Medical Corps has already received vials of yellow fever vaccine for high risk workers and has ordered additional vaccines for community members.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur has uprooted millions of people, disrupting already fragile health care systems and preventing families from returning to their homes and livelihoods. Since 2004, International Medical Corps has worked through challenging conditions to provide essential medical care, implement nutrition programs, and restore water delivery and sanitation systems in Darfur. By emphasizing training in health care delivery, we give communities the tools to move from relief towards self-reliance, and to rebuild their futures.