The mission of SAPA is to develop and maintain a strong and dynamic professional society that (1) supports the advancement of its Members, (2) is responsive to the needs of its Members’ communities within the United States and Sudan, and (3) aids in fulfilling its Member’s philanthropic endeavors within the United States and Sudan.
Since the start of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023, SAPA has focused on emergency response programming to meet the growing health needs of Sudanese communities and fill the gaps of the already debilitated health system. SAPA provides direct health service delivery, mobile medical teams, health facilities rehabilitation, delivery of medical supplies and medications, and water, sanitation and hygiene activities throughout Sudan.
SAPA maintains the capacity to respond to the crisis in Sudan, providing critical support through its established partnerships with Local NGOs, service providers, and community level networks. Within its emergency response programming, SAPA has focused on a wraparound approach to target the greatest need and provide the largest impact. This includes the following activities:
1. Support to Healthcare Facilities: SAPA provides supply and operational support to eight primary health centers (PHCs) serving vulnerable communities, with an emphasis on those supporting women and children. PHCs are located in Gezira, Red Sea, South Darfur, and Red Sea and include PHCs in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps located in Gezira state. This support includes running costs, medications and critical supplies, as well as incentives to frontline health personnel. Services provided at these facilities include primary care, infectious disease treatment, maternal and reproductive health, pediatric services, and tertiary care.
2. Operation of Mobile Medical Units: SAPA is supporting mobile medical teams in Gezira, providing primary health services to IDP camps. Currently seeing over 450 patients monthly, the team plans to expand to additional IDP camps in neighboring villages. Services include medical consultations, nutrition services, laboratory work, essential medications and follow-up care. The mobile clinics are directly linked to tertiary health facilities, allowing for patient referrals and ensuring a continuum of care for beneficiaries.
3. Distribution of emergency supplies: SAPA will continue to secure and distribute life saving medications, vaccinations and nutrition packages to health facilities throughout Sudan.
4. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Activities: Since May 2023, SAPA has provided water, hygiene kits and women’s hygiene kits to over 36 IDP camps in Gezira and Northern State. These camps are overcrowded with a poor ventilation system and insufficient water supply. There is limited access to clean drinking water. SAPA is aiming to support those residing in these camps by distributing supplies through SAPA’s mobile teams and improving water sources in the camps.
With this comprehensive strategy, SAPA seeks to address the needs of the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, and play a critical role in responding to the forthcoming public health challenges. With continued support, we can extend our reach and further strengthen the healthcare infrastructure for these vulnerable communities, ensuring their right to health is upheld amidst the trials of displacement.