Over 750,000 Sudanese and Chadians have fled Darfur and gathered at 32 entry points in eastern Chad. With 44.8% of Sudanese refugees residing in the country, Chad has been significantly affected by the crisis. These refugees live in various formal and informal camps across 11 health districts in Ennedi East, Ouaddaï, Sila, and Wadi Fira provinces. The situation in the camps is dire as access to essential health services is disrupted due to physical barriers, limited resources, and lack of funds for healthcare.
The humanitarian crisis has been further exacerbated by epidemics of dengue fever, measles, and hepatitis E. In total, over 6,692 people have been treated with support from MSF-F, PUI, ICRC, and a WHO emergency team deployed for the occasion. Recent fighting reports suggest that new arrivals may soon be coming to Tiné and Birak entry points in Wadi Fira province.
With the rainy season approaching in less than three months’ time, the health situation is likely to become even more challenging due to torrential rains (Ouadi) that are making it difficult for temporary waterways to flow freely. This will limit the WHO’s ability to provide coordinated health responses to any potential public health events that may occur during this period.