Our Mission
N.M.I.A.’s mission is based in its fundamental view that humanitarian aid and relief are one of the instruments that can help promote security and relative well-being during times of internal or external strife. One of the distinguishing characteristics of N.M.I.A. is the ability to work with the local populations in Nuba Mountains to provide hands-on aid to victims of the war. The organization raises money to provide food, water, clothing, medicine, school supplies and other materials to help end people who escape from war.
Background
Nuba Mountains region is situated between latitudes 10-13 degree North and longitudes 29-31 degree east. It covers an area of approximately 138,000 square kilometers. The region experienced many internal conflicts which contributed to it is under development. The most serious conflict was the civil war from 1984 to 2005 jointly with South Sudan and Blue Nile against Khartoum regimes. During this war one of special matters was declaration of Jehad (holy war) against Nuba people (1992). The second war from 2011 up to date resulted in many refugees. All basic services were seriously affected.
According to the census of 2010, the population of the region is 2.5 million. After eruption of war in the region in 2011 population divided into following:
Under SPLM controlled areas
Under Khartoum Regime
Refugees and IDPs
For the purpose of this presentation, I will consider the population under SPLM which is approximately 1.9 million people which is expected to benefit directly from services of the new hospital.
The region is multicultural, religiously diverse and there is a high level of religious and tribal coexistence even though the central Government created tribal militias which led to some unrest between Nuba communities and some Bagara groups
The Project
The proposed new hospital is called Nuba Mountains National Referral Hospital previously known as Tojur Hospital or Tango clinic. It is situated in Dellami county about 4 hours and 40 minutes drive from Mother of Mercy Hospital. Neighboring counties are: Hiban, Rashad, Alabasisa (new Tagali), Habila, dellangi and parts of Umdorain
Hospital Capacity:
When hospital is fully established it is expected to have minimum of 600 beds and incorporate all medical departments including imaging modalities. Because availability of health cadres is one of our challenges, we will start nursing and midwifery school as soon as possible and recruit some technical cadres from outside. We will look for funds and scholarships to send students to medical schools as soon as possible
Justification:
The population of 1.9 million people has been served by one qualified hospital for the last 8 years with one qualified Doctor, Dr. Tom Catena.
Because the region is so large and due to poor roads and infrastructure of most counties, many critically sick patients hardly reach Mother of Mercy hospital or GED (German Emergency Doctors)
The region is seriously lacking qualified doctors. There are a few clinical officers and qualified nurses. In addition to Dr. Tom, there is one other doctor from Nuba, Dr. Ahamed Zakaria and he is operating more to the South and middle of the region.
The new hospital will be of bigger capacity and will increase the accessibility of quality services to the patients and consequently reduce mortality rates
The new hospital will employ more qualified doctors and will incorporate a nursing school
The hospital will avail most of laboratory investigations and imaging services
The hospital will be open to receive patient from both sides (SPLM and Khartoum Government controlled areas)
After peace in the region (hopefully) the hospital will receive even more patients within the region and other parts of the country. Meaning it will be prepared to serve population of 2.5 million or more
The hospital will incorporate other specialized services such as HIV/AIDs, TB, leprosy and others. The project may take between 3 to 5 years to complete if funds are available, meanwhile providing services at the existing structures of the health center.
The hospital will put more emphasis on Maternal and child health
Hospital will cooperate and coordinate with local hospitals and health centers to improve and strengthen the referral system. We hope to adopt decentralization ambulance system (ambulance for each county)
Hospital will invite qualified cadres from elsewhere around the world as needed for exchange of experiences and continued training
Strengths:
Commitments of the local community
Political support (SPLM leadership)
Nuba friends who are willing to support financially and physically by their experiences
Continued ceasefire in the region and potential peace and stability
Change of the regime in Khartoum
Challenges:
Shortage of funds
Shortage of qualified cadres
Poor Infrastructure
Poor Logistics