The Right to Health in Darfur: An unfulfilled promise

Abstract

The right to health in Darfur is an unfulfilled promise due to the armed conflict, the structural discrimination against Darfur, and the general weakness of the health sector in Sudan. The epidemiological profile of Sudan is typical of Sub-Saharan African countries. The Maternal Mortality Rate in 2006, in South Darfur, was 1,581, one of the highest in the world. Besides, an estimated 75 children under the age of five die every day in Darfur. For this analysis of the health in Darfur, we use here the already well-defined four categories of the right to health: a) availability (including availability of health facilities, human resources and health programs), b) accessibility (including referral system and humanitarian space), c) acceptability (including the debate related to traditional birth attendants) and d) quality (including the medical malpractice). All these aspects are presented in addition to the epidemiological profile of Darfur: health indicators and general causes of mortality and morbidity. The main goals of this paper are: a) to demonstrate the current health conditions of the population, b) to identify the gaps between the theoretical requirements of the right to health and the realities on the ground, and c) to remark the duty of the Sudanese state toward its population in Darfur.

Published online: 11 December 2017