France, April 6 -- The Strait of Hormuz, which links Dubai to Port Sudan on the eastern coast of Africa, is a vital transit point for the delivery of medicines to the continent. 

But this key waterway has been effectively blocked by Iran in retaliation to US-Israeli strikes which began on 28 February, with only a limited number of ships allowed through.

In recent weeks, goods have had to be diverted via the Cape of Good Hope and once they reach the West African coast, they are transported by road. 

"For the few ships that are still sailing, this detour comes at a very high cost," explains Rodrigue Alitanou, a doctor and directo...