Since late April, approximately 40 000 refugees have crossed into Chad, with the majority arriving in Wadi Fira province.
This recent wave forms part of a much larger crisis. Since the outbreak of war in Sudan two years ago, around 800 000 people have fled the country. More than 70 000 of them have arrived in Chad in recent months alone.
MSF’s Emergency Co-ordinator Pietro Maria Curtaz described the situation on the ground as deeply concerning. Refugees are arriving in extremely poor condition, having endured harrowing journeys.
“Many people walked for days or relied on donkeys. Those who couldn’t afford transport had no choice but to pass through violent and unstable areas in Sudan, often under threat of bombings,” said Curtaz. “They arrive here exhausted, dehydrated, and traumatised. Most people have no access to food or clean water along the way. What they are seeking is safety.”
MSF is now operating in the transit camp in Tina, where around 18 000 people have settled. The vast majority of new arrivals are women and children. Many are malnourished and in urgent need of medical attention. Curtaz said that despite the best efforts of non-governmental organisations on the ground, the existing infrastructure is stretched to its limit and cannot meet the growing demand.
The organisation is urging the United Nations, international donors and humanitarian actors to scale up their support. “We need food, shelter, sanitation facilities and medical services, including mental health care. Right now, these needs are not being met,” Curtaz explained. He also expressed concern about the looming rainy season, which could significantly worsen conditions in the camps. “Rain will increase the risk of disease outbreaks, from malaria to cholera, especially given the lack of sanitation and clean water.”
MSF has ramped up its activities at the border, providing primary healthcare, nutrition screening, and vaccinations. The team is conducting around 900 medical consultations per week. According to Curtaz, recent assessments show that acute malnutrition among children under five has reached 29%, with 9% classified as severely malnourished. The organisation is also supporting pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence, in addition to distributing water.
Despite these efforts, Curtaz emphasised that the scale of the crisis requires far more resources and co-ordination. “What MSF is doing helps, but it’s only a temporary measure. We urgently need a stronger, more comprehensive humanitarian response.”
--ChannelAfrica--
