Iraq lacks facilities and expertise in emergency medicine.

north Darfur is not receiving health care, and 370 000 people across Darfur did not receive monthly rations in July. One of the most important lessons is that without durable peace, the health gains can easily be lost. Health indicators must be used as an advocacy tool in the political process. The international community must critically examine its efforts in order to achieve sustainable results. Non-governmental organisations must start small scale programmes, as these can be managed over a prolonged time, even with reduced funds or fewer health professionals. Darfur is on the edge of yet another humanitarian catastrophe. We are obliged to prevent it.