Refugees in Sudan

Regional conflict in Ethiopia is displacing tens of thousands of Ethiopians. Many refugees fleeing the conflict cross the border into Sudan with only the clothes on their backs and a few possessions. Countless people have lost family along the way. Men are arriving with wounds. Pregnant women are crossing ready to give birth. Children – who make up nearly one-third of refugees – are especially vulnerable to malnutrition and disease.

Inside refugee camps, medical care is a main concern. Without adequate water and sanitation, there is a high risk of infectious disease. Several deadly diseases are already present, such as cholera, measles, dengue and malaria. COVID-19 is another ever-present danger. Finally, concerns about malnutrition are growing as food is in short supply.

How Medical Teams is Responding

We are working with partners to care for refugees in Sudan. Our plans include establishing a clinic in Um Rakuba refugee camp in order to provide life-saving care to Ethiopian refugees. Our team will screen for malnutrition and infectious diseases and provide wound care; a team of community health workers will also be trained to share health messages and monitor the health of refugees.

To relieve pressure on the local health system, we also plan to support a hospital near the camp with supplies, equipment and training. This support will be especially important for mothers and children in need of urgent medical care.

Some of the worst disasters in the world today are caused by conflict, and the global refugee crisis grows every day. At Medical Teams International, we are poised to respond to emerging disasters, like the urgent refugee needs is Sudan. But we can’t do that without you. Your support will help reach even more people in need with life-saving medical care.