Donkey Ambulance

The UN has found a creative and effective way to transport sick patients in the harsh environment of Darfur.

donkeys and IDPs.jpg

To date, sick people in need of transportation to the nearest clinic have had to endure an uncomfortable ride atop a camel or on the back of an open horse-drawn cart, exposed to the searing heat of the sun.

But the UN refugee agency has stepped in by donating a covered wagon, with padding inside, and a donkey to pull the “ambulance.” It’s not the height of comfort but has been welcomed by the 750 refugees from Chad and the Central African Republic who reside in Mukjar, West Darfur

This is possibly an even better use for a donkey than the famous literacy-promoting “biblioburro.”

(Image from flickr user SPANA Charity under a Creative Commons license.)