Sovereign Military Hospitaller
Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta

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Sudan: new Order of Malta clinic treats sleeping-sickness patients

Sudan: new Order of Malta clinic treats sleeping-sickness patients
01/09/2003

In the southern Sudanese town of Yei, the Order of Malta German Association has opened a new clinic for sufferers of trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), a widespread disease in the Sudan. Government officials, representatives of the diocese of Yei and local dignitaries, together with the German Ambassador, took part in the opening ceremony. Since 1997, the Order of Malta has been providing basic healthcare services for about 300,000 people in this area which has been afflicted by civil war.

The Order also maintains a health centre in Yei-City and runs tuberculosis and leprosy control programmes in Yei County.

Trypanosomiasis is advancing in many African countries and is a mortal illness if it is not treated. Up until now, less than ten percent of those infected have been able to receive medical treatment.