A Father's love
POSTED: June 15, 2007
By Sarah Pate
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Inside OBI's medical clinic at Otash camp, Mohammed sits with his daughter, Kareema, while she recovers.
On average Dr. Madina and her medical assistant, Omar, treat an average of 150 patients a day at the clinic.
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DARFUR, Sudan - Mohammed hasn't eaten much in the last three days, but he doesn't seem to mind.
His eyes are fixed intently on his 3-year-old daughter, Kareema, who lies motionless on his lap.
Seven months ago, Mohammed was working as a farmer in southern Darfur and supporting his wife and three children.
Today, he is a resident of the Otash IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp along with 60,000 others who left home and possessions behind to seek safety and protection from Sudan's ongoing conflict that has displaced more than 2.5 million people.
"I need to be a farmer, but there is no work here," Mohammed said.
Fortunately, there is food, water – and perhaps most importantly for Mohammed – medical care.
For three days, he has stayed by the side of his daughter who suffers from sickle cell anemia. Her feet and arms are swollen and tender to the touch.
Neither father nor daughter has moved much in three days. His place is by her side in the infectious ward of the OBI-supported medical clinic at Otash, while his wife, Katum, takes care of their other two children, stopping by each day to visit and check on their progress.
"Her immune system is weak, but she seems to be improving," said Dr. Madina of Kareema.
On average Dr. Madina and her medical assistant, Omar, treat an average of 150 patients a day at the clinic, providing thousands with free medical care, antibiotics, immunizations and more.
And sometimes, she'll go above the call of duty for a patient in need – like giving Mohammed money to purchase milk for Kareema.
"He had no money, no way to buy food," said Dr. Madina. "So I gave him money for milk."
Both doctor and dad are hopeful, however, that Kareema will be able to leave the clinic in a few days.
"I'm happy," Mohammed said. "My daughter is improving and I feel safe here."
How You Can Help
Operation Blessing is continuing to reach more than 100,000 displaced Sudanese refugees with critical medical care as well as thousands with educational assistance, nutritional feeding programs and more.
Your online gift toward OBI's Sudan Refugee program will help us continue to provide lifesaving care to those who need it most.
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