SUDAN
KIBROM 'The Fate of Kala Azar'
Kibrom, a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor was admitted 2 months ago at MSF clinic into the intensive care emergency department. Kibrom suffered from visceral leishmaniases the most serious form of Kala Azar, which can be fatal without treatment.
Tanedba Camp, Sudan December 2022 © Ikram N'gadi
Kibrom was an Ethiopian refugee from Tigray region not registered in Sudan and had no status. When the war happens, he crossed the Sudan border and was living with a Sudanese farmer family. He was working with them for a year and a half until he got sick.
Tanedba Camp, Sudan December 2022 © Ikram N'gadi
With his background and disease, he was very anxious and had problems accepting medication. Kibrom sadly passed away on the 02nd of December 2022 at the MSF clinic. Kibrom had no family members to surround him.
In eastern orthodox faith, a funeral is a significant event that involves the whole community and follows strict rules and religious customs. Members of the clergy arrives at the mortuary in MSF clinic, where they will perform the religious funeral ceremony before the procession and burial at local cemetery in Tanedba Camp.
Orthodox priest leading the outdoor and public procession. The procession take place at mournful pace until they reach the church where Kibrom will receive the blessing of the priest before the burial taking place in the local cemetery near the church in Tanedba camp.
As soon as a death is announced in a community, people come together to prepare to grieve together and openly. A funeral is a large, community-wide event in which physical presence counts to acknowledge the loss of someone. Many people from Tanedba camp gathered, mourning the death of Kibrom.
Tanedba Camp, Sudan December 2022 © Ikram N'gadi
The burial of Kibrom body is taking place in the local cemetery near the church in Tanedba camp. The men of the community and members of the clergy surround to cites prayers and pay their last respects.
