Zalingei — Several residents from Zalingei locality in Central Darfur complained that security services are preventing anyone who does not have a yellow fever vaccination card to leave the area, they told Radio Dabanga on Thursday, 6 December.
According to security forces, this decision was based on instructions they received from the Central Darfur government, witnesses reported.
Citizens from the locality stressed that this decision is causing them much suffering and severe damages, as they are unable to travel to places like Nyala and El-Geneina to do business.
They explained to Radio Dabanga that those who were vaccinated on the first two days of the campaign received a card. However, they continued, vaccination cards were no longer available after the third day.
The unavailability of cards has become an obstacle for Zalingei residents to leave the locality, which is especially affecting merchants and patients seeking treatment elsewhere, residents pointed out.
At the same time, witnesses stressed that members of the security services of Central Darfur are 'exploiting' the current situation. They have set-up check points in all access areas leading in and out of the locality and are selling vaccination cards for 30 Sudanese pounds each, witnesses asserted.
They demanded that authorities intervene and stop the exploitation and extortion local residents are subjected to. They also demanded that authorities facilitate their travels.
50 deaths in West Darfur
The Minister of Health of West Darfur, Ishaq Ahmed Yaqoub, revealed that the fatality rate of yellow fever increased from 49 to 50 cases in the past 10 days in the state.
He added that the number of infected patients increased from 203 to 213 during the same period of time.
In addition, the minister announced that the vaccination campaign in For Baranga will be launched on Sunday. He confirmed that vaccines will be transferred to the area on Friday.
Yaqoub appealed to all citizens to visit vaccination centers.
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