The situation is not much better in neighbouring countries, where about two million people have sought refuge, often separating from their loved ones.
“My husband has been missing for over a year and I don’t know where he is,” says Um Adel, a woman in Metche, a camp in eastern Chad. “[My son] Khalid was fine, until the food started to diminish. After a day or two of not eating well, he developed a high fever. I don’t feel comfortable here and the situation is not good, I want to go back to Sudan.”
Warring parties, and member states with influence over them, must ensure the protection of civilians, health personnel and medical facilities. Responsible authorities on both sides of the conflict must simplify the processes granting permissions for humanitarian movements and personnel through all available routes across borders, states, and frontlines, and provide prompt responses. And the United Nations, relevant agencies and anyone who has the power to help must employ all measures to ensure that available access routes are used to their fullest extent.
“MSF tries to fill some of the gaps. In many places we work, we are the only international organisation operating, but we cannot tackle this huge crisis alone,” says Esperanza Santos, MSF Emergency Coordinator in Port Sudan. “We are also struggling to get supplies and staff to our projects.”
“In tandem with access, securing sustained funding to UN agencies, as well as to local organisations and responders, who are carrying the brunt of this response, is also essential,” continues Santos. “A meaningful response with aid reaching people who need it most must start now. There is no more time to waste.”
Fonte original msf.org
