In the past few months, more than 750,000 Sudanese and Chadians have fled Darfur and sought refuge in eastern Chad. The country has been hit the hardest by the crisis in Sudan, with over 44.8% of the refugees coming from that country. This influx has resulted in thousands of new arrivals each week, putting a strain on resources and health services.
Currently, these refugees are living in a variety of formal and informal camps across 11 health districts in Ennedi East, Ouaddaï, Sila, and Wadi Fira provinces. However, access to essential healthcare services is challenging due to poor physical access, limited resources, and financial constraints preventing them from receiving necessary medical care. To make matters worse, outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever, measles, and hepatitis E have already resulted in reported injuries totaling 6,692 cases. Several organizations including MSF-F, PUI, ICRC and an international emergency team from WHO have been providing support and treatment to these refugees.
Recent reports suggest that renewed fighting in Sudan may result in more refugees arriving at entry points like Tiné and Birak in Wadi Fira province. Additionally, the upcoming rainy season will pose a significant health risk within less than three months. Torrential rains can make it difficult to navigate temporary waterways which can lead to potential public health crises that may arise. The World Health Organization (WHO) may face challenges accessing certain sites to provide coordinated health responses to potential emergencies during this time period.
Overall, the situation remains dire for both refugees and healthcare workers alike as they struggle to cope with the ongoing crisis and its impact on their communities.
