Press Release Sudanese Refugees Entering Uganda in Large Numbers; Health Care Funding Critically Needed By Medical Teams International July 3, 2024 Medical Teams International Urges More Resources for Humanitarian Response (KAMPALA, Uganda) July 3, 2024 – For twenty years, Medical Teams International has been saving lives and restoring the health of refugees and host communities in Uganda. The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, is driving large numbers of Sudanese refugees in desperate need of health and nutrition services into Uganda. This influx of refugees, along with recent cuts in institutional funding, has humanitarian organizations like Medical Teams pleading for additional resources. UNHCR, the U.N. Refugee Agency, originally predicted that 85,000 refugees would enter Uganda this fiscal year. Uganda has already welcomed 64,000 refugees since January 2024. Approximately 40% are from Sudan, where people are suffering ongoing violence, lack of access to health care, and severe malnutrition levels. As conflict continues to rage in Sudan, the number of refugees entering Uganda is expected to continue rising. A large percentage of Sudanese refugees are being served by Medical Teams at border points where we have staff and at transit centers where we manage health care. Some refugees also previously received care from Medical Teams in Sudan, where millions of internally displaced people are living in camps. Our Sudan teams are providing health care services in Gedaref and White Nile states, including malnutrition treatment and disease outbreak management. Most Sudanese refugees travel to Uganda overland through South Sudan. Typically, they enter Uganda through the Elegu border point (where Medical Teams provides screening services), before they are taken to Nyumanzi Transit Center in Adjumani district (where Medical Teams provides health care services). After a few months, Sudanese refugees are sent to longer-term hosting arrangements in Kiryandongo Settlement. “As a leading health and humanitarian organization in Uganda, Medical Teams consistently provides essential medical aid to people seeking refuge from violence and instability,” said Jason Evans, Uganda Country Director for Medical Teams. “However, funding from all sources is down overall. Although the influx is straining settlements and health facilities across Uganda, Medical Teams is committed to responding with compassion and high-quality care.” Medical Teams offers a wide range of critically needed health services. Assessments include checking blood pressure, nutritional status, signs and symptoms of disease outbreaks, fever, and gender-based violence. Medical Teams also offers maternal health care, treats sick children, and conducts door-to-door visits through community health workers to ensure appropriate medical attention for all. Despite the dedicated efforts of Medical Teams, the recent influx of refugees has placed immense pressure on the Uganda health system. Uganda hosts the highest number of refugees in Africa, yet there are significant gaps in funding that need addressing to ensure that health care can continue for all, especially those in greatest need. Medical Teams acknowledges the generous support of our partners and continues to advocate for more resources to sustain this life-saving work. To help Medical Teams save lives in Sudan and Uganda, donate today by visiting https://donate.medicalteams.org/sudan-crisis/ 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.