As millions flee war and hunger in Sudan, senior leadership from WHO’s Africa and Eastern Mediterranean Regions convened in Chad, which hosts the largest number of Sudanese refugees, to assess the urgent health needs of those affected by the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The mission aims to enhance WHO operations in Chad, Sudan, and the offices of the African Region (AFRO) and the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) to deliver critical medical care and scale up cross-border humanitarian assistance into Sudan’s Darfur states.
“As WHO’s Representative for Sudan, it is heartbreaking to witness the suffering among the refugees. They shared stories of violence, loss, and hunger. With the health system severely degraded – all 241 health facilities in Central Darfur have sustained damage – disease spreading, and famine looming, it is increasingly challenging to meet the soaring health needs. If we don’t act with urgency, we will see higher morbidity, mortality, and transgenerational impact of the current conflict,” said Dr. Shible Sahbani.
Hunger rates are rising at an alarming rate. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports Sudan is experiencing the worst acute food insecurity ever recorded in the country. In the last six months, the number of people facing high levels of acute food insecurity has increased by 45%, from 17.7 million to 25.6 million.
WHO’s cross-regional priorities include expanding cross-border operations to Sudan, especially Darfur, which has been largely cut off from humanitarian assistance. However, access restrictions imposed by conflict parties and limited resources – only 18% of the Sudan Humanitarian Response has been funded – significantly constrain the response. Opening the Adre border crossing between Chad and Sudan to allow humanitarian supplies in would be lifesaving.
WHO’s Representative in Chad, Dr. Anya Blanche, stated: “The people of Chad have been incredibly hospitable, offering food, water, and shelter to the refugees, but the needs are overwhelming. Our priority is to create integrated health systems for refugees and host populations that address immediate medical needs and develop Chad’s healthcare capacity in the long term, so the future of the people is not dependent on aid.”
Adre, a small town in Eastern Chad initially home to 40,000 people, has seen a sixfold increase in its population. Over 600,000 Sudanese and 180,000 Chadian returnees have arrived in Adre since the conflict began in April 2023.
Most refugees have experienced multiple displacements as the violence that started in Khartoum spread to other parts of Sudan. They have crossed the border with gunshot wounds, having survived rape and sexual violence, and endured months of insufficient food.
In mid-April, marking one year of conflict, nearly 8.7 million people had been displaced. In just three months, this has surged by over 45%, with an estimated 12.7 million people displaced today. Over 10 million are displaced within Sudan, while 2 million have sought refuge in six neighboring countries.
Dr. Thierno Baldé, Coordinator for WHO Regional Emergency Hub for West and Central Africa, commented: “We have seen the suffering of the people here. They have nothing and are exposed to many diseases, including epidemic-prone diseases. Humanitarian aid actors are present, but funding is minimal. At WHO, we are working collectively between the two regions to make our operations as resource-efficient as possible.”
With the seasonal rains, minimal shelter, and dismal living conditions, there are heightened fears of disease outbreaks such as malaria and cholera, which could lead to even more suffering.
Regional Emergency Director for EMRO, Dr. Richard Brennan, emphasized the need for global solidarity and attention. “This dynamic and catastrophic crisis is getting very little attention from the international community. We can do more, and we certainly need to do more. Peace, access, and resources are vital to protect the lives and livelihoods of the Sudanese people.”
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