World Humanitarian Day

Across the world, humanitarian aid workers selflessly do whatever it takes to save lives, partner with communities, ease pain and suffering, and preserve human dignity for those in need. Oftentimes, they work in the world’s most volatile conflict zones or areas devastated by natural disasters. The scope of support they provide varies.  Some humanitarian aid workers mentor youth living in dangerous communities, while others provide immediate medical care to the sick and injured. Regardless of their exact role, these individuals go above and beyond to work with children and families in challenging situations.

Last year, 235 million people in 26 countries required humanitarian assistance and many humanitarian workers did whatever was necessary to help.

 

Meet Emadudin, a humanitarian worker in Sudan

Sudan has endured years of political tension and conflict, coupled with severe drought, hunger, and COVID 19, which has led to a horrific situation for millions of children and their families.

In the area of Jebel Moon, located in West Darfur, the population is 69,500, and more than 46,600 people need humanitarian support. This is where Emadudin, a Save the Children health officer, is responsible for running a mobile health clinic. Even though the region has encountered several outbreaks of violence over the last few years, he remains committed to serving people in this area.

Emadudin says, “The enormous needs out there are what motivates me to do my best. We must reach people. My work in the organization gives me the opportunity to serve others in a satisfying way.”

The mobile health clinic sets up tents in Jebel Moon where medical and nutritional services are provided. Many of the community members come with a variety of health concerns, including children and mothers suffering the effects of malnutrition, injuries, infections, pre and postnatal care, and diseases like malaria. All consultations, medicines, and medical necessities are free of charge for the patients.

Emadudin works alongside a team of nutritionists, midwives, and pharmacists. The team sometimes spends up to eight hours a day on the road reaching those in the most remote areas.

“To reach people, we have to go on a very long road trip, and it is not easy. What makes me feel happy is when I see the gratitude on the faces of those we support,” he explains.

Watch Emadudin in action in this short video:

In Sudan, according to the Humanitarian Needs Overview, almost one in three people across the country will need humanitarian aid and protection in 2022. Humanitarian aid workers like Emadudin work in dangerous contexts, give their time, and extend their hearts to provide support and protection to communities in desperate need.

With support from the Humanitarian Coalition and Global Affairs Canada, Save the Children is providing life-saving assistance to children and their families in parts of Sudan that face emergency levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.

Today is World Humanitarian Day, a time to honour these amazing aid workers across the globe. Tineka Levy, a Humanitarian Advisor with Save the Children, reflects on the moment and says, “Our colleagues around the world demonstrate tremendous bravery, compassion, and commitment every day, as they address some of the most complex challenges of our time, and in some of the most difficult circumstances. It is through their effort and innovation that we can ensure a safe and hopeful environment for children and youth. We are proud to stand with them this World Humanitarian Day.”

 

 

 

Sources:

Jebel Moon: A Humanitarian Crisis (500wordsmag.com)