Our DHU Sahara Stars have returned home from their second incredible challenge in Morocco, a journey that once again tested their resilience, compassion, and teamwork while helping to improve healthcare access for remote desert communities.
This year’s team, made up of Debbie Kemp, Kirsty Osborn, Dr Saurabh Johri, and Dr Steve Lloyd, joined forces with Doctors of the World, trekking across the Sahara to deliver vital health education and equipment to local people in the Zagora region.
The visit built on last year’s legacy project, which saw DHU colleagues help to build a women’s shelter and community hub at Ifard School. This time, the team returned to see that same building thriving, changed into a place now used daily by women, students, and families for learning, meetings, and even watching football on the nearby pitch.
Kirsty Osborn, Deputy Director of Urgent Care North, added: “Returning to Morocco was an incredible experience. Seeing how last year’s work continues to make a difference, and being able to build on that by sharing healthcare skills and education, was humbling. The people we met have so much determination and spirit – it’s a reminder of why collaboration and compassion matter so much in healthcare.”
As part of their 2025 mission, the team delivered diabetes education sessions to more than 70 women in two communities, helping raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and diet management in an area where the condition is becoming increasingly common.
The team also visited Zagora Hospital to learn more about local healthcare services and share experiences with staff. In Iffard, they delivered donated medical supplies to support the community’s first point of medical care, where the nearest hospital is over an hour away. They also discussed ways to help repair and restock the only working ambulance serving remote desert villages.
Debbie Kemp, DHU’s Operations Manager for UEC North, said:
“It was really emotional returning to see the building we helped fund last year being used every day – women sitting together, children studying, families gathering. You realise how something that feels small to us can mean so much there.
This time our focus was on diabetes awareness and supporting their emergency care. The local ambulance is vital, but it’s on its last legs – so our goal now is to raise enough to get it fully repaired and to offer some remote training for their drivers and first responders.
We also took over several cases of surplus medical kit from DHU, including dressings, gloves, and oximeters – items that are in short supply locally and can genuinely help save lives. It really puts into perspective what we have, and how far a little support can go.”
Despite facing 30-degree heat, deep desert sands, and a few unwelcome desert visitors (including snakes, ticks and even rats!), the group completed their trek in high spirits, proud to represent DHU and continue building lasting friendships with the people of Zagora.
