What started as a tiny unusual swollen spot on the left cheek of a 37 year old Diire turned out to be a mass tissue covering almost the whole of his face? The swelling has been gradually, but uncontrollably increasing in size for the past two years in the lawless land of southern Somalia where Diire lived.

It soon started engulfing the left eye making it difficult to see anything. It also invaded nearby organs like the left ear and the nose. It had also blocked the nostril which made him breath only through the mouth.

With no medical attention in the war torn country, Diire had to leave his children for dear life. “I was advised to go to Dadaab camps in neighboring Kenya, where I would get quick medication from overwhelming Aid agencies.”  He says.

Almost one year have gone now after registering with UNHCR however, Diire did not get any treatment. His condition worsens day after day. The tumor on his face had been expanding pathetically, bushing the mouth and nose while nearly covering the right eye.

“A day never passed unless I visited the main hospital in IFO camp. But I am always convinced that my case is being processed for referral in Nairobi.”  He says with a hopeless tone.

Diire is among the many desperate refugees suffering in Dadaab camps where more than 300,000 refugees live.  IFO being one of the camps has only one main hospital. This makes the hospital constantly overcrowded. There is only one single medical doctor in the whole camp who receives all patients with chronic illness. One has to book in advance with the nurses to meet with the camp doctor. Such appointment can take several weeks or even months.

However, meeting with the camp doctor is not guaranteed due to the high number of people he has to attend to. “Many patients die before they see the doctor while others develop complications that worsens their already fragile situations” says Isnino Ali, IFO camp chairlady.

Almost twelve months of going to and from the hospital, Diire’s problems multiplied. The swelling has reached the jaws making him difficult to eat. “I had not eaten anything for the past three months; my teeth can no longer chew food. Milk and water is the only thing I can take” cries Diire.

Community leaders tirelessly challenge health organizations in Dadaab refugee camps by demanding more qualified doctors and better provision of services with adequate facilities. In a day long meeting that was discussed many issues health being top in the agenda, this is what they had to say: “We will never give up crying for help until our objectives are met. We therefore, appeal to the international community and any well wisher to see into our problems directly and support us in the shortest time possible for the matter is about our lives!”

Moulid Iftin Hujale Lives in Dadaab camps, He can be reached at [email protected]

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