Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-03-26 07:59:17
The living conditions of displaced people in Kassala State of Sudan are in a state of crisis, with overcrowded shelters, limited access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare. The situation is dire, with close to 190,000 people displaced in Kassala state, including 40,000 who recently fled violence in Al Jazeera state. The urgent need for humanitarian assistance is emphasized by medical charity Medicines San Frontiers (MSF), as the displaced people face a range of challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The plight of internally displaced people in Kassala is indicative of the broader humanitarian crisis in the country. Many individuals are experiencing food insecurity, loss of life, and livelihoods due to the conflict. MSF recently conducted a 10-week emergency program to provide targeted medical and humanitarian aid to the displaced population in Kassala. The teams treated over 2,100 patients for respiratory infections, which are exacerbated by the cold temperatures in makeshift shelters.
The journey to Kassala for many displaced individuals was arduous, with multiple displacements before reaching the state. The reliance on host communities for necessities further exposes the displaced population to diseases and deprivation, with concerns about the potential outbreak of cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. MSF’s intervention included the provision of primary healthcare services, reproductive health care, mental health care, and health promotion initiatives. Mobile clinics were deployed to reach remote gathering sites, ensuring essential medical care for all affected individuals.
Addressing the barriers to access medical services, particularly for women in need of reproductive health care, remains a challenge. The protection of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence is also a pressing concern, with limited access to safe spaces and support services exacerbating their vulnerability. The lack of access to treatment for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes further compounds the health crisis in Kassala.
The need for expanded humanitarian efforts extends beyond Kassala state to other regions of Sudan, including Darfur, Khartoum, and Eastern Sudan. Urgent action is required to ensure basic access to healthcare, food, clean water, and sanitation for all affected populations. MSF emphasizes the importance of prioritizing these needs to alleviate the suffering of displaced communities and prevent further loss of life.
In addition to their work in Kassala, MSF runs health facilities in Tanideba and Um Rakuba camps in eastern Sudan, as well as supporting Ad-Damazine Teaching Hospital in Blue Nile state. MSF teams are present in 11 states across Sudan and provide assistance to refugees and returnees in neighboring countries such as South Sudan and Chad.
Overall, the situation in Kassala and other parts of Sudan highlights the urgent need for increased humanitarian efforts and stronger coordination among existing actors to address the critical needs of the displaced population. MSF’s intervention underscores the importance of immediate action to provide essential support and aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
