Sudan Appeal Launched By Jersey Doctor

Thursday, 4 May 2023 19:00

A Sudanese doctor who works in Jersey's hospital has appealed for donations to help those trapped in the conflict in his home country.

More than 500 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands more have fled after conflict broke out between Sudan's army and a paramilitary group in April.

They're disagreeing over how the country should be ruled.

Dr Dirby Osman Ali, who set up the appeal, has family there and usually splits his time between the island and Sudan.

"I feel helpless because I'm a doctor and I have a centre there that I do voluntary work for.

I just want to go over and help but I can't because there are no flights and it's just too dangerous."

His nephew has been caught up in the violence.

"He was injured by a stray bullet, luckily in his leg.

My brother has managed to get out of Khartoum, but some other members of my family are still in the capital which is a big worry for me."

His worry now is for those with medical needs who are stuck in the country with no access to life-saving treatment.

"There are 13,00 people who need access to dialysis treatment. The supply is running out if these people are not treated in the next week all of them will die.

50% of the hospitals in Khartoum which has a population of more than 10 million, are not operating."

Dr Osman Ali is urging islanders to donate to his appeal, which you can find here.