A Catholic doctor who is the only remaining medic in Sudan’s war torn Nuba Mountains has won an Aurora Prize for his commitment to serving humanity.
Dr Tom Catena, a Catholic missionary from New York, has been working in Sudan for around 10 years, taking care of thousands of patients, most of whom are victims of the ongoing war between government forces and rebels in the area.
In his acceptance speech on 31 May, Dr Catena called on the international community to find a lasting solution to the ongoing violence in Sudan, insisting that the conflict has made it extremely difficult for humanitarian organisations to distribute relief supplies in the affected areas.
“The Sudanese government is embroiled in a disagreement with rebels over who delivers aid. We have to inject a bit of common sense,” said Dr Catena at an awards ceremony held in the Armenian capital, Yerevan.
Since 2007, he has worked seven days a week at the Mother of Mercy Catholic Hospital in Nuba Mountains, treating shrapnel wounds, amputating limbs and delivering babies.
As the only doctor working permanently in the war-ravaged region, Dr Catena is estimated to attend to at least 500 patients per day and perform more than 1000 operations a year.
In a video message aired at the award ceremony, George Clooney, co-chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee commended Dr Catena, saying that it is because of him that thousands of Sudanese people are able to survive and thrive in the midst of war.
“Dr Catena is a role model to us all, and yet another example of people on the ground truly making a difference,” said Clooney.
Catena received a $100,000 grant and an opportunity to donate the accompanying $1,000,000 award to organisations of his choice.
According to UK Fundraising, Catena will divide the award money between the African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) and healthcare charity, Action Canchanabury.
Dr Catena finished his speech asserting that it is possible for one person to make a difference.
“I draw my inspiration from Nuba people. And with my faith as my guide, I am honoured to continue to serve the world and make it a better place,” he concluded.
PICTURE: Catholic missionary Dr Tom Catena and his wife, Nasima Mohammed Bashir, in their home in the Nuba Mountains
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