The devastating consequences of the conflict in Sudan continue to push thousands of men, women and children from their homes, forcing them to find refuge in improvised camps in Chad. Already tested by 11 months of war, more than 40,000 people are trying to survive in precarious conditions in the Metche camp, in eastern Chad.
Despite efforts by humanitarian organizations to provide assistance, financial resources and supplies are desperately limited, putting the lives of many refugees at risk. CRS (Catholic Relief Services) and Caritas Mongo have provided everything they can and provided vital support, but the needs remain immense. Some refugees express their gratitude to these organizations who are doing their best to help them.
In Chad, the number of refugees has reached a record level in 20 years, illustrating the scale of the humanitarian crisis plaguing neighboring Sudan. The United Nations has warned that conflict-ridden Sudan risks becoming the world’s worst food crisis.
Unfortunately, humanitarian workers face countless challenges in reaching all those in need. The distribution of food aid and health supplies is often limited, forcing organizations like Caritas to operate in a targeted manner to maximize the effectiveness of their actions.
Besides the threat of hunger and dehydration, the spread of disease poses a major danger. Unsanitary living conditions encourage the proliferation of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and hepatitis E. These outbreaks have already claimed the lives of several pregnant women, highlighting the urgent need for medical intervention reinforced in refugee camps in Chad.
The critical refugee situation in Chad highlights the critical importance of coordinated humanitarian action and increased international support to prevent an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. Refugees need solidarity and help more than ever to overcome this heartbreaking crisis and rebuild their lives in conditions of dignity and security.