A record-breaking multidisciplinary convoy bringing free care, training and hope to Merowe and surrounding areas.
From 16–23 February 2020, SALAMAT Medical Charity UK organised a major medical mission to Merowe in Northern State, Sudan. This charity convoy was delivered in close collaboration with the Secretariat of Sudanese Working Abroad (SSWA), the Northern State government, Alhamad University, Merowe Medical City, local civil society organisations and the Merowe Area Sons Union.
This was one of the largest and most diverse SALAMAT convoys ever, both in the number of volunteers and in the range of medical specialties represented.
A highly specialised volunteer team
The Merowe mission brought together an exceptional multidisciplinary team, including:
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: 5 consultant obstetricians and gynaecologists
- Vascular surgery: 2 senior vascular surgeons
- Ophthalmology: 2 senior ophthalmologists and 5 ophthalmic registrars
- Surgery: 3 consultant general surgeons with expertise in breast and laparoscopic surgery
- Urology: 2 senior consultant urologists
- Orthopaedics: 1 orthopaedic surgeon and 1 senior registrar
- Oncology: 1 senior consultant oncologist
- Paediatrics: 3 consultant paediatricians
- Anaesthesia & Intensive Care: 1 senior consultant anaesthetist and 1 senior registrar
- Gastroenterology: 1 senior consultant gastroenterologist
- Diabetes & Endocrinology: 1 consultant specialising in diabetes and endocrine disease
- Children with special needs: 3 senior consultants
- Clinical pharmacy: 1 clinical pharmacist
- Audiology & hearing aids: 4 senior auditory consultants, forming a dedicated hearing team
- Nephrology: 1 nephrologist
- General practice: 1 general practitioner
The mission was supported by: a SSWA delegation of 7 (administration, organisation, journalists, photographer, statisticians), 2 SALAMAT administrators responsible for logistics, social programme and cultural visits, 1 SUNA journalist, and several trainees and medical students
Launching the mission: press conference
The mission was launched with a press conference in Sudan, aiming to:
- Announce the start of the mission
- Inform the public about SALAMAT’s work
- Encourage doctors to join future SALAMAT convoys
- Help raise awareness and funds for the charity
Clinical work and training across specialties
Throughout the week in Merowe and surrounding areas, the team delivered:
- Outpatient clinics and surgery in multiple specialties.
- Inpatient reviews and ward rounds.
- Hands-on training and workshops for local staff.
- Health education for patients, families and the wider community.
Children and diabetes
The paediatric team cared for children with a wide range of conditions, with a particular focus on childhood diabetes. They:
- Supported the existing diabetes centre in Merowe
- Helped establish new diabetes centres in Kareema and Elddaba
- Ensured these centres provide free testing, equipment and insulin for children with diabetes
Obstetrics, gynaecology and safer childbirth
The obstetrics and gynaecology team delivered intensive clinical and educational work aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality. They:
- Ran specialist clinics and performed surgical procedures
- Trained and updated 50 midwives through workshops and practical sessions
- Provided 50 midwifery boxes (delivery kits), each containing the essential equipment needed for a safe delivery
- Each midwife kit costs SALAMAT around $100 to provide.
Ophthalmology (eye care)
The ophthalmology team, with 2 consultants and 5 registrars, carried out very busy clinics and operations. Demand for eye care was overwhelming, underlining the huge need for accessible ophthalmology services in rural Sudan.
Vascular surgery – “Free fistula at your doorstep”
The vascular surgery team continued SALAMAT’s established programme of arteriovenous (AV) fistula creation for patients needing dialysis, under the banner:
“Free fistula for all at their doorsteps”
They performed operations and trained local doctors to provide this life-saving service independently in the future.
Vaccination and infection control
For the first time in a SALAMAT mission, a dedicated vaccination team provided hepatitis B vaccination for midwives, accident & emergency staff, dialysis unit staff and patients, laboratory personnel, and other at-risk groups. This new service aims to protect health workers and vulnerable patients from hepatitis B infection.
Cancer services and pharmacy review
The clinical pharmacist, with a special interest in cancer medicines, undertook a review of medication systems and noted several gaps including lack of a proper drug chart, inadequate patient identification during medication administration, absence of clinical guidelines and protocols, and imited access to up-to-date drug information.
The oncology and pharmacy team worked with local staff at Merowe Social Security Insurance (SSI) Hospital, which is well equipped for cancer care, to start addressing these issues and support the development of better oncology services.
Orthopaedics, urology and other specialties
Orthopaedic and urology teams ran clinics in Merowe, Kareema and other locations, performing operations and teaching junior doctors and medical students at Alhamad University. Cardiologists, nephrologists, psychiatrists and other specialists also contributed clinics, ward rounds, education sessions and outreach work.
Training workshop in Omdurman (before the convoy)
Before moving to Merowe, SALAMAT organised an endometrial biopsy workshop at Omdurman Maternity Hospital on Wednesday 12 February, attended by around 100 trainees and specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology. This workshop improved diagnostic skills and supported local postgraduate training.
Human stories and impact
One of the most moving moments of the mission occurred on the road to Merowe, in the middle of the desert, when SALAMAT volunteers came across two children: one child who was deaf, and one child with cataract.
Both children were brought to Merowe, treated and given a new chance at a healthy life. Stories like these capture the heart of SALAMAT’s work: combining clinical expertise with compassion and practical action.
Cultural visits and team cohesion
In addition to clinical work, the mission included a cultural and historical programme for volunteers, including visits to ancient sites dating back 2,000–4,000 BC. This helped strengthen team bonds and allowed volunteers to appreciate the rich history and culture of Northern Sudan.
Gratitude
SALAMAT extends warm thanks to:
- All the volunteers who gave their time and expertise
- Local partners in Northern State, Merowe and Khartoum
- SSWA and supporting institutions in Sudan and abroad
Their combined efforts made the Merowe mission one of the most successful convoys in SALAMAT’s history.
