Alaskans Help in Sudan

Alaska Sudan Medical Project brings medical care and food to South Sudan

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Jan 23, 2012 at 3:54 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 23, 2012 at 5:38 PM AKDT

For more than five years, dozens of Alaskans from across the state have been traveling thousands of miles to South Sudan to help a small village with basic needs – like food and medical care.

It’s all a part of the Alaska Sudan Medical Project, a program started by Dr. Jack Hickel and Dr. Jill Seaman. Seaman is an Alaskan doctor who’s been working in Sudan for more that 20 years.

Since the project began they’ve helped build two functioning wells with another about to be built.

They’ve also started an immunization program that has helped cure thousands of South Sudanese suffering from Kala-azar – a parasitic disease caused by Sand Fly bites.

Volunteers say without help from Alaskans, the villagers would be left to fend for themselves.

“If it’s not Alaskan’s doing [it], there’s nobody doing it, there [is] no other NGO’s or non government organization currently stationed here, “ said Hickel. “It’s the Alaskans that are doing the work there. The reason nobody wants to work there is it’s too remote, too tough to get to and too expensive to get in and out of.”

Volunteers are also building the first school in one of the villages.

If you would like more information on the Alaska Sudan Medical Project, click here.

 

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