Indonesian Ambassador Sunarko on Wednesday (21/8) received an introductory visit from the Turkish Ambassador to the Republic of Sudan, H.E. Fatih Yıldız, at the Indonesian Embassy Office in Port Sudan.

The visit was intended for an introduction and to strengthen relations before the submission of the Turkish Ambassador’s Credentials to the President of the DPT Sudan.

The meeting also aimed to share views and information regarding the current situation in Sudan, especially regarding the development of the conflict, peace dialogue, potential for economic cooperation, and humanitarian issues.

Ambassador Fatih conveyed the plan for a humanitarian assistance program that will be implemented by the Turkish Government for Sudan. Ambassador Sunarko also shared Indonesia’s experience in sending humanitarian assistance to Sudan which has been carried out in 2 (two) stages.

Ambassador Sunarko warmly welcomed Ambassador Fatih’s visit and prayed for his health, smoothness and success in his duties in Sudan, and emphasized the Indonesian Embassy’s commitment to strengthening communication and coordination in carrying out diplomatic missions, especially regarding humanitarian assistance for Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Khartoum, Sudan.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, today hosted a delegation from The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) led by CEO Kate Hampton. 

The discussions focused on scaling up community health initiatives, digitization, performance management, and maternal and newborn health, all aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

The CS expressed gratitude to CIFF for their support in equipping Community Health Promoters (CHPs) with kits, providing training, and establishing Primary Care Networks. 

Also in attendance were PS Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, PS Medical Services Harry Kimtai, as well as other Directors and senior leadership from the Ministry of Health. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, hosted US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, to discuss enhancing health collaboration between Kenya and the US. Key topics included integrating HIV services into primary healthcare, boosting global health security, and establishing the Kenyan National Public Health Institute. The discussions also covered joint malaria reduction efforts, healthcare infrastructure, and research. The US pledged significant support for Kenya’s digital health infrastructure, marking a major step in advancing healthcare systems. The CS was joined by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni and senior ministry officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

The first WFP food supplies destined for desperate communities in Sudan’s Darfur have crossed the Adre border from Chad, after it was reopened by the Sudanese authorities following a six-month closure.

WFP trucks, carrying sorghum, pulses, oil and rice destined for 13,000 people at risk of famine in Kereneik, West Darfur, crossed on Tuesday evening. WFP has food and nutrition supplies for around 500,000 people ready to move swiftly through the newly re-opened route.  

“The re-opening of the Adre crossing is critical for the effort to prevent famine from spreading across Sudan, and it must now stay in use. I want to acknowledge all parties for taking this vital step to help WFP get lifesaving aid to millions of people in desperate need,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “We urgently need to reach every corner of Sudan with food assistance – and this requires humanitarian corridors and all border crossings to be open so aid agencies can bring in supplies every single day. This is the only way to avoid widespread starvation.”

The Adre crossing from Chad is the most effective and shortest route to deliver humanitarian assistance into Sudan – and particularly the Darfur region – at the scale and speed required to respond to the huge hunger crisis. From Adre, trucks can cross into Darfur and reach key distribution points on the very same day.

Since Adre’s official closure in February, WFP was able to operate two convoys via the Adre crossing – one in March and one in April. But otherwise, WFP has been using the longer route through Chad’s Tine crossing into North Darfur, as well as long, dangerous routes from Port Sudan that cross battle frontlines and through areas controlled by different militia groups, to reach communities in Darfur.

There needs to be a constant flow of food and nutrition assistance into Sudan to address alarming levels of hunger. Humanitarian needs are acute across Sudan, and WFP is scaling up food assistance in all 14 areas either in famine or at risk of famine, largely located in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Gezira, with the aim to support up to 8.4 million people by the end of the year.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).