The conflict in Sudan has led to the displacement of over four million people. The majority of this population, approximately 3.3 million people, have been displaced within Sudan itself. More than 380,000 people have crossed into eastern Chad, mostly seeking refuge in camps and settlements in and around the border town of Adre. On-site MSF teams are currently witnessing the distressing living conditions faced by these refugees, with a severe shortage of food, water, sanitation, shelter, and healthcare. 

MSF appeals to the UN system, international donors, and humanitarian organisations to swiftly address all essential needs of the refugees in Adre and across Ouaddai province.  

“It’s hard to describe what these people are going through. For some, it has been five weeks without food”, says Susana Borges, the outgoing MSF emergency coordinator in Adre. “People are feeding their children with insects, grass, and leaves! They have much less water and sanitation than they need, and many of them have no shelters whatsoever. How can they survive like this?” 

“People are desperately waiting for food rations, but they don’t even have basic cooking supplies. How will they cook if they have no pots?" says Borges. “The most urgent health needs we are dealing with are malaria, diarrhea, and malnutrition. We are doing our best, but the needs are massive and there is only so much we can do."

"We are deeply concerned about the population within Sudan and their access to healthcare, as well as the increased risks of epidemics resulting from the current situation," states Trish Newport, MSF's head of emergency response. " And we are also deeply concerned about the population that has fled Sudan into Chad. The situation in eastern Chad is a tremendous emergency, with the risk of further deterioration if there is not a swift and substantial scale up on humanitarian situation".  

In the eastern Chadian province of Ouaddai, MSF teams deliver critical healthcare services in partnership with the Ministry of Health. The capacity has been expanded to 420 beds in Adre Hospital and four health centres. Additionally, a 38-bed clinic situated in Camp Ecole is conducting 460 consultations daily. The region is grappling with a high prevalence of malaria and diarrhoea, while 372 children are undergoing treatment for malnutrition in Camp Ecole. 

In Adre Hospital, 150 patients are currently being treated for traumatic injuries, mostly gunshot wounds sustained in Sudan, while 133 children are admitted for life-threatening medical complications linked to malaria and malnutrition. Our teams have also started to support and deliver maternal care and services for victims of sexual violence.   

The MSF teams offering mental health assistance in Camp Ecole have witnessed distressing cases of Sudanese refugees enduring profound losses, rape, and sexual violence during their journey to Chad. Numerous women have recounted being confined to a room and subjected to rape by groups of men. Given the gravity of their trauma and suffering, these people need ongoing and comprehensive support. A resolute commitment from the UN, other organizations, and donors is key to ensuring these people are saved from potentially fatal circumstances. 

Testimonials 

MSF teams on the ground have collected testimonials from affected people in both countries, painting a distressing and traumatic picture of their circumstances. 

Facts and Figures  

MSF teams provide a range of healthcare services, including trauma care for war wounded, maternal and paediatric care, and treatment for malnutrition in 10 states in Sudan, including Khartoum, Al-Jazeera, West Darfur, North Darfur, Central Darfur, South Darfur, Al-Gedaref, Blue Nile, White Nile and River Nile.  Regular donations are made to the various health facilities to keep them running. Where possible, MSF is incentivising the Ministry of Health staff to continue their services as they have not received salaries.