Sudan, Feb. 12 -- Throughout nearly three years of war and mass displacement in Sudan, the Kordofan region has remained one of the most volatile and active conflict zones, and one of the least accessible for humanitarian organizations.

In the heart of this vast area lies the city of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, which has been a significant place of refuge for displaced families fleeing violence. Living conditions here are precarious: Access to health care is limited, safe drinking water is scarce, and sanitation facilities are insufficient to meet rapidly growing needs.

In response, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) launched emergency activities in El Obeid in late January. The first phase of this ...