Press Release

OPEC Fund approves US$60,000 grant in support of Al-Gezira University Hospital in the Sudan

73/2005 June 15, 2005, Seefeld, Tyrol, Austria
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The OPEC Fund for International Development today extended a grant of US$60,000 to the Societé Internationale de L’Urologie(SIU) to help upgrade Al-Gezira University Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery, in Wad Medani, the Sudan. The grant will be used for the purchase of diagnostic ultrasound- and urological diathermy equipment for the Center of Urology and Nephrology.

Despite its poor infrastructure, Al-Gezira University Hospital for Renal Disease and Surgery is considered to be the only specialized educational hospital in the Sudan that provides free medical services ranging from minor operations to renal transplants. The hospital receives aid from specialized medical institutions and international charities worldwide, in addition to the regular governmental support to its annual budget.

With the assistance of SIU, the hospital is upgrading the Center to accommodate rising renal problems in the country as well as to assist postgraduate students to carry out research on urological problems. The availability of this equipment at the Center would benefit some 3.000 patients annually.

SIU, which is a non-profit, non-governmental scientific society based in Geneva, Switzerland, aims to support education, research and paramedical services in the area of urological diseases worldwide. Since its inception, the SIU Foundation has focused its efforts on the promotion of urology science in Africa through the provision of scholarships, training and development of urology centers.