Over 750,000 Sudanese and Chadians have fled Darfur and sought refuge at 32 entry points in eastern Chad. The country is the most affected by the crisis in Sudan, hosting 44.8% of Sudanese refugees and seeing thousands of new arrivals each week.
Currently, these refugees are living in a variety of formal and informal camps across 11 health districts in the provinces of Ennedi East, Ouaddaï, Sila, and Wadi Fira. However, access to essential health services in these camps is challenging due to poor physical access, limited resources, and financial constraints preventing them from accessing necessary healthcare. Compounding this issue are outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever, measles, and hepatitis E, with a reported 6,692 injuries so far. Various organizations including MSF-F, PUI, the ICRC, and an international emergency team from the WHO have been providing support and treatment.
Recent reports of renewed fighting in Sudan indicate the likelihood of more refugees arriving in Chad, particularly at entry points like Tiné and Birak in the province of Wadi Fira. The upcoming rainy season in less than three months will also pose a significant health risk as torrential rains can make it difficult to navigate temporary waterways. The WHO may face challenges accessing certain sites to provide coordinated health responses to potential public health crises that may arise during this period.
