Conflict Threatens Humanitarian Organization’s Provision of Life-Saving Medical Care

(Portland, OR) December 22, 2023 – Medical Teams International is on alert in Sudan as the conflict that has ravaged the country since April has spread to central Al Jazirah State and its capital, Wad Madani, an area in close proximity to Medical Teams’ country office and programs. All staff are accounted for, safe, and on standby.

The attack on Wad Madani, a key humanitarian hub, has forced many United Nations and international organizations to withdraw staff and assets, and threatens humanitarian assistance to scores already displaced by the conflict. Medical Teams, working in Sudan since 2021, continues to provide life-saving healthcare to families and individuals facing this severe humanitarian crisis.

Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces began on April 15, 2023 in Khartoum and quickly spread to neighboring cities and states. About 6.6 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since mid-April, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, making it the world’s largest crisis of this kind. Conditions in the camps are unsafe and contribute to the spread of disease.

Medical Teams is providing direct health and nutrition services to refugees, internally displaced people, and host communities in Sudan. Services include mobile healthcare, early detection and screening of acute malnutrition, nutrition surveillance, immunization, health monitoring, capacity-building, mental health support, and community training and awareness.

As a result of the ongoing conflict, many of Sudan’s hospitals and health facilities have been damaged or destroyed, along with other critical infrastructure. The situation is volatile, and capacity on the ground to deliver relief services varies across the country. Just last week, the areas in which Medical Teams is serving had high needs but they were relatively calm and removed from the ongoing conflict.

“With the increasing instability throughout the region where we are working, we are asking for prayers for peace, protection, and for more resources to help us save lives,” said Birhanu Waka, Medical Teams Sudan Country Director. “We are resolved to continue providing critically needed healthcare and to raise global awareness and support to respond effectively.”

In response to the large influx of refugees from northern Ethiopia into eastern Sudan that began in November 2020, Medical Teams began working in Sudan in January 2021. Since then, Medical Teams has been working directly with refugee settlements and local host communities to address the unique health needs they face. Medical Teams seeks to improve quality of care and helps to build connections to and trust in the local health system.

To make a donation to Medical Teams, visit https://www.medicalteams.org/donations/

About Medical Teams International

Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as survivors of natural disasters and refugees. We care for the whole person— physical, emotional, social and spiritual. Daring to love like Jesus, we serve all people—regardless of religion, nationality, sex or race. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.

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