Aid groups struggle with outbreak in Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 16 (UPI) -- After the expulsion of several aid groups from Sudan, the International Committee of the Red Cross is working to address an outbreak of meningitis in Darfur.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir forced the removal of several international humanitarian aid groups from the country following his indictment for alleged war crimes by the International Criminal Court on March 4.

The gap in administering critical aid has placed a significant strain on agencies like the ICRC that have been forced to deal with a recent outbreak of meningitis in the volatile Darfur region of the country. The ICRC said it partnered with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and other remaining aid groups to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis and the ongoing needs of people displaced by violence.

"This operation is difficult to coordinate since it involves such factors as maintaining the cold chain and ensuring that the medical supplies used are in suitable condition," Vincent Ochilet, head of an ICRC sub-delegation in Sudan, said in a statement.

"The security situation will also affect the pace at which the vaccinations take place and the extent of the territory covered."