Fundraising Underway to Meet Critical Health Needs as Crisis Worsens

(Portland, OR) April 24, 2023— In response to the recent conflict and insecurity in Sudan, Medical Teams International, a global humanitarian and health organization, is continuing to operate in the refugee camps as it is able, with refugee and Sudanese staff from nearby communities providing healthcare to those in need.

Sudden and unexpected fighting has erupted and spread quickly in Khartoum and in some other parts of the country. Bombing, shelling, and looting are happening throughout the city, hospitals and health facilities have been bombed, and people are fleeing or staying inside. The conflict is exacerbating the current humanitarian crisis and creating acute health care needs. Humanitarian pauses announced in recent days have not been respected by either side of the conflict.

Medical Teams staff are all safe and accounted for. It is too unsafe to operate in Khartoum, but Medical Teams is ready to respond to the health needs of the Sudanese population, caused by conflict, as soon as it is safe to do so.

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. Medical Teams has been working directly with local communities to address the unique health needs they face and has provided access to direct medical care. Medical Teams also seeks to improve quality of care and helps to build connections to and trust in the local health system for refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. (There are currently more than 73,000 Ethiopians taking refuge in settlements in Sudan.) Medical Teams’ work in Sudan is accomplished in partnership with ZOA, an international humanitarian organization and partner in Integral Alliance.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Medical Teams has been privileged to provide life-saving care in Sudan in recent years,” said Martha Newsome, President & CEO of Medical Teams. “We want to continue this critical humanitarian work. We are praying for a quick cessation of these hostilities and the ability for our team to safely continue or expand our program activities in Sudan.”

Please consider supporting Medical Teams International’s program in Sudan as we continue to address urgent health needs. We expect the need for life-saving health programming will grow with this increased conflict, and we welcome your generous support. For more information or to donate, visit www.medicalteams.org.

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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