Blog 2--International Health: Sudan Tells Red Cross to Halt Work

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Summary: Two days ago the Sudan Government felt that the Red Cross is not doing humanitarian work to the government’s level of efficiency. So, they have halted the organization's work until the matter is resolved. The Red Cross organization has been helping fight diseases in Sudan since 1978 and has over 700 workers in the area dedicated to the cause. In 2013, they had helped over 1.5 million people in the area, and the more conflicting zones in the surrounding areas (such as Darfur). However, In 2009 the Sudan had expelled 13 foreign aid organizations for working in the impoverished areas, such as eastern Sudan. The man in charge of the Red Cross Organization in the area says that the group still remains committed to the people of the Sudan, and that he hopes the situation gets resolved soon so that they can help the people in most need of their help.

Analysis: The Red Cross has been helping people all over the world since the early 1800s. They are an organization that helps in the contribution of time, blood, and money towards saving lives and helping those in need. When reaching the more conflicting areas of Darfur and eastern Sudan the Red Cross is trying it’s full force efforts to make a difference, but this situation with the Sudan Government has put their efforts on the back burner. They’ve been in Sudan since 1978 and had little to no problems at all, but now this situation has lead to a conflict over the level of the organizations humanitarian efforts. The government has stopped all efforts of the organization until the situation is resolved. This leaves the very people they were trying to help still in need of lifesaving treatment and help. This situation has put the President of the Red Cross organization in a very awkward position, and has lead to a discussion of the initial problem that the government officials pointed out and talk of what the Red Cross’s purpose is in Sudan. All hopes remain on these officials to let this organization get back on it’s feet and help the people in these conflicting areas have much needed help. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/03/world/africa/sudan-orders-red-cross-to-halt-its-humanitarian-operations.html?ref=africa&_r=0