Sudan
For 20 years we have been looking after a hospital in the Nuba Mountains as well as a supply network of health posts within a radius of 100 kilometers.
‘People don’t realise that children can die from malnutrition.’
Greta is 34 years old, a doctor – and spent eight months working with Cap Anamur in Sudan. Among other things, she treated malnourished children at the hospital in Lwere. What she experienced there has stayed with her for a long time.
A long-cherished wish becomes reality
Even during her medical studies, Greta wanted to work in humanitarian aid. After three and a half years in anaesthesia, this wish became a reality. ‘It was the right moment for something new,’ she says. In August, she set off for Sudan – in the middle of the rainy season. “That’s when you first realise what it means when even the shortest journeys take days. That has a direct impact on medical care.”
A place of hope: the centre for malnourished children
Cap Anamur runs a hospital in Lwere – and has also had its own ward for malnourished children since summer 2023. ‘The ward was set up just as the number of cases skyrocketed,’ says Greta. There are two areas: one for severely malnourished children and one for less severe cases.
Malnutrition manifests itself in different ways. Some children are visibly emaciated. Others develop oedema, skin changes or have extremely pale hair – symptoms that indicate years of nutrient deficiency. Particularly depressing: “Many children put up with everything and show no defence. That’s always a very bad sign in children.”
But there is also hope: “When the therapy takes effect, you can see how the children start to play and laugh again. Then suddenly there’s a joy of life again.”
Therapy means time – and patience
The treatment of malnourished children often takes several weeks. They must first be medically stabilised, as malnutrition is almost always accompanied by serious illnesses. Only then can they slowly begin to build up their diet. ‘This is an enormous burden for the families,’ says Greta. The clinic is often a long way away and many mothers have to leave their other children at home. And sometimes it’s seemingly trivial things like a lack of soap or clothes that make them leave early. At such times, intercultural communication is crucial – to recognise needs, avoid misunderstandings and build trust.
Help needs trust and education
An important part of the work: education. “It’s not easy to communicate that a child should only be given special milk at first. Many parents want to give additional food – but that can be life-threatening.” This is why Cap Anamur also relies on dialogue with waiting mothers, training and, above all, cooperation with local staff. “Nothing works without them. They know the cultural background, understand why someone wants to leave the hospital – and help us to find the right words.”
Long-term changes visible
A lot has improved since the new ward, says Greta. “The structures are clearer, the care is more efficient. And in the local village, people are realising that the aid is working.” Cap Anamur’s hospital has been in existence for over 25 years – an anchor of hope in a region that is often forgotten.
Why our help matters now
Der Sudan steckt in einem Teufelskreis aus Krieg, Instabilität und internationalem Desinteresse. Zwar ist Cap Anamur von den Kürzungen großer Geldgeber wie USAID nicht direkt betroffen – die Auswirkungen in der Region sind dennoch massiv spürbar. „Der Konflikt geht unvermindert weiter – ein Ende ist nicht absehbar“, sagt Greta. Umso wichtiger ist es, dass unsere Hilfe nicht nachlässt.
Sudan is caught in a vicious circle of war, instability and international disinterest. Although Cap Anamur is not directly affected by the cuts made by major donors such as USAID, the impact in the region is still massive. ‘The conflict continues unabated – there is no foreseeable end,’ says Greta. That is why it is so important that our help does not stop.