Building a Brighter Future
Empowering All to Live Healthy Lives
Establish mechanisms for Sustainable healthcare by Collaborating with local communities
Junji Naito Photographs
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Proposer
We propose practical solutions based on the needs of local communities. In Sudan, many villages lack access to basic healthcare. Rocinantes has introduced mobile medical services and supported the construction of clinics so that people can receive treatment close to home. These initiatives help build sustainable healthcare systems in areas where medical services are scarce.
In addition, we are advancing innovative approaches by integrating AI-driven healthcare and digital technologies to shape the future of accessible and sustainable health systems. -
Facilitator
We create momentum for new initiatives by working with local communities and partners.
In Sudan, we collaborate with community leaders, medical staff, and international partners to deliver healthcare and safe water. By connecting different stakeholders, we help develop community-based systems that enable people to protect their own health and improve living conditions.
Through the use of digital platforms, data, and AI technologies, we enhance coordination, improve decision-making, and enable more effective and timely healthcare delivery. -
Advocater
We propose practical solutions based on the needs of local communities. In Sudan, many villages lack access to basic healthcare. Rocinantes has introduced mobile medical services and supported the construction of clinics so that people can receive treatment close to home.
These initiatives help build sustainable healthcare systems in areas where medical services are scarce.
We further strengthen these efforts by incorporating AI and digital health solutions, including telemedicine, to expand access, improve quality of care, and optimize resource use in challenging environments.
WHO WE ARE
We are a Japanese NGO with nearly two decades of experience in humanitarian and healthcare initiatives in Sudan. Since 2006, Rocinantes has worked with local communities to improve access to basic healthcare and safe water in areas where public services are limited due to conflict and fragile infrastructure.
Despite limited geographical and financial resources compared to larger organizations, our NGO works closely with communities and partners to deliver practical and sustainable solutions. Through community-based healthcare, clinic support, and water initiatives, we aim to strengthen local capacity and improve access to essential services, particularly for people living in remote and underserved areas.
KeyAcievements
- 20 years of continuous operations since 2006
- 29 villages reached through mobile medical services
- 4 clinics constructed and supported
- 6 water points and wells developed
- 149,000+ people screened for malnutrition
- 12,500+ people received nutritional support
- Community-based programs including education and youth activities since 2008
- Support for Ibn Sina Hospital, including technical cooperation by medical engineers, the introduction of Japanese dialysis equipment, and assistance for liver transplant surgeries
- Acceptance of over 100 participants from Japan in Sudan, including medical students, nursing students, doctors, midwives, nurses, and medical engineers
- Acceptance of over 30 participants in Japan from Sudan, including doctors and nurses from Ibn Sina Hospital, as well as faculty members from the University of Khartoum (Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy)
- Support for a Sudanese high school student to study at a high school in Japan
WHAT ROCINANTES DO ?
WHAT ROCINANTES DO ?Mobile Medical Services in Refugee Camps under Conflict
Since the outbreak of civil conflict in 2023, many people in Sudan have been forced into displacement. Rocinantes, in collaboration with the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA), has launched mobile medical services in refugee camps in Red Sea State. By utilizing portable ultrasound devices, Portable Health Clinics (PHC), and telemedicine systems, we provide antenatal care and other essential health services. Even in settings with extremely limited access to healthcare, we strive to deliver quality medical services to those in need.
Improving Access to Emergency Healthcare through Ambulance Donations
The ongoing conflict has severely damaged healthcare infrastructure, significantly reducing the number of available ambulances. With the support of municipalities in Japan, Rocinantes has donated ambulances to Sudan.
These vehicles are expected to be utilized by hospitals and partner organizations in Khartoum and Port Sudan, contributing to the restoration of emergency medical services.
Japanese municipality
Improving Sanitation Conditions in Displacement Settings
Many internally displaced people are currently living in schools and public facilities, where deteriorating sanitation conditions have become a serious concern. Rocinantes has implemented WASH interventions in Atbara, River Nile State, including the rehabilitation of latrines, washing areas, and water tanks. These efforts aim to reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Improvements have been made across multiple displacement sites, including facilities hosting approximately 1,000 displaced people
Delivering Healthcare to the Unreached
Mobile Medical Services
In Wad Abo Salih locality, Khartoum State, Rocinantes supported a mobile medical service system covering 29 villages where healthcare facilities are extremely limited. Medical teams visited each village to provide consultations, medicines, and health education, delivering essential healthcare services to communities with little or no access to medical care.
Clinic Construction
Rocinantes has worked with local communities and authorities to construct and rehabilitate clinics. To date, we have supported the development of four clinics, helping to establish local healthcare hubs where residents can continuously access essential medical services.
Capacity Building
Even when healthcare facilities are available, a shortage of trained personnel limits service delivery. Rocinantes provides training for healthcare workers and community health volunteers, strengthening local capacity to sustain healthcare services. We aim to build systems in which communities can take the lead in managing their own health.
Safe water, the First Medicine
Construction and Rehabilitation of Water Points and Wells
Rocinantes has constructed and rehabilitated water points and wells at six sites, improving access to safe and reliable water. Clean water is a fundamental resource for protecting community health and plays a critical role in preventing infectious diseases.
Hafir Rehabilitation
In Sudan’s arid regions, “hafirs” (rainwater reservoirs) are essential sources of water. However, many have deteriorated due to sedimentation and lack of maintenance. Rocinantes rehabilitates hafirs to restore these vital water resources for both communities and livestock.
Safe Births, Healthy Growth
Maternal and Child Health
To support safe childbirth, Rocinantes provides training for village access to safe and midwives and delivers health education. These efforts contribute to strengthening community-based systems that protect maternal and child health.
Nutrition Improvement
In collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Sudanese NGO SIDO, Rocinantes implements nutrition programs in North Kordofan State. We provide nutritional support and follow-up services for children under five suffering from acute malnutrition, as well as for pregnant and lactating women.