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Objectives. We assessed basic health, women's health, and mental health among Sudanese internally displaced persons in South Darfur.
Methods. In January 2005, we surveyed 6 registered internally displaced persons camps in Nyala District. Using systematic random sampling, we surveyed 1293 households, interviewing 1 adult female per household (N = 1274); respondents' households totaled 8643 members. We inquired about respondents' mental health, opinions on women's rights, and the health status of household members.
Results. A majority of respondents had access to rations, shelter, and water. Sixty-eight percent (861 of 1266) used no birth control, and 53% (614 of 1147) reported at least 1 unattended birth. Thirty percent (374 of 1238) shared spousal decisions on timing and spacing of children, and 49% (503 of 1027) reported the right to refuse sex. Eighty-four percent (1043 of 1240) were circumcised. The prevalence of major depression was 31% (390 of 1253). Women also expressed limited rights regarding marriage, movement, and access to health care. Eighty-eight percent (991 of 1121) supported equal educational opportunities for women.
Conclusions. Humanitarian aid has relieved a significant burden of this displaced population's basic needs. However, mental and women's health needs remain largely unmet. The findings indicate a limitation of sexual and reproductive rights that may negatively affect health.
(Am J Public Health. 2007;97:353-361. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2005.073635)
United Nations (UN) officials have described Darfur as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.1 Despite the January 2005 accords ending 23 years of North-South civil war, conflict continues in this impoverished western region of Sudan. The Darfur crisis escalated in early 2003 with rebel insurrections against the government of Sudan. Government forces and Arab militias have since conducted a campaign against local populations, displacing more than 200 000 refugees into Chad and 1.8 million people within the greater Darfur region.2 The death toll from disease and violence is unknown, with estimates ranging from 180 000 to 390 000.3,4 Widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law occurred, including incidents of rape, killing of civilians, and large-scale destruction of villages.5 The UN has cited occurrences of war crimes and crimes against humanity5 and other groups have warned of genocide.6
An estimated 3.6 million people-more than half of Darfur's preconflict population-have been affected by the crisis.7 Although aid reaches the...