2024-10-15-世界卫生组织-Sudan_conflict_–_Situation_in_refugee-hosting_countries,_Multi-country_External_Situation_Report_5,_covering_the_reporting_period_September_2024_14页_1mb

Sudan Conflict - Situation in Refugee-Hosting Countries: Multi-country External Situation Report n.5 Summary

Highlights

1. WHO Engagement: WHO Director-General visited Port Sudan and Chad’s border town of Adré to assess the health crisis and support operations, reaffirming WHO's commitment to the affected population.

2. Health Challenges: Multiple health emergencies across neighboring countries including Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. Outbreaks include cholera, acute watery diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, malnutrition, measles, dengue fever, hepatitis E, and polio.

3. Flooding: Flooding remains a significant challenge, impacting livelihoods, increasing risks of waterborne diseases, and hindering humanitarian operations in several countries.

4. Funding Gap: Only $21.8 million secured in 2024 for the response, leaving a large funding gap of $65.2 million for health operations in Sudan and neighboring countries.

5. Operational Updates: Various countries have conducted vaccination campaigns, distributed medical supplies, and strengthened surveillance systems in response to the ongoing crises.

Key Operational Challenges

• Resource Mobilization: Significant funding shortages hinder the scaling up of health responses.
• Early Warning & Response: Inadequate surveillance in hard-to-reach areas limits effective early detection and response to outbreaks.
• Health Service Delivery: Shortages of medical supplies, drugs, and trained health workers restrict access to essential services, particularly in refugee-hosting areas.
• Seasonal Complications: The rainy season exacerbates displacement and infectious disease risks like cholera.

Next Steps

• Strengthen surveillance and emergency response systems.
• Provide logistical and financial support to replenish critical supplies.
• Continue capacity building for health workers in response to infectious diseases, WASH, and mental health.
• Advocate for increased funding to address the persistent gaps in emergency operations.

Geographical Overview

• Chad: High rates of malnutrition, hepatitis E among refugees, and maternal deaths.
• South Sudan: Malaria, mpox, flooding impacts, and limited health facility access.
• Egypt: Outbreak of E. coli and expansion of healthcare coverage for refugees.
• Libya: No reported outbreaks in refugee settlements, focus on expanding mobile health services.
• Ethiopia: Rising malaria cases in refugee-hosting areas, deficient referral systems, and lab services.
• Central African Republic: Hepatitis E, measles, and dengue outbreaks in areas partially cut off by rainy season.

Conclusion

The report stresses the urgent need for coordinated funding and support to address the multi-pronged health and humanitarian crisis marked by conflicts, flooding, and outbreaks across Sudan and its neighboring countries.