Rainy Season Threatens Sudanese Refugees

Médecins Sans Frontières warned today, Monday, of the impending deprivation of thousands of Sudanese refugees from humanitarian and medical aid as the rainy season approaches. Audrey van der Schot, head of the Médecins Sans Frontières mission in Chad, noted that the floods typical for this time of year could isolate refugees and their host communities in the Sila region of eastern Chad and other areas bordering Sudan. The rains will increase the likelihood of waterborne diseases, as well as infectious diseases due to limited access to clean water and sanitation. She added, "We are afraid that with the rains, people in this border area will be cut off and forgotten," highlighting the continued influx of refugees from Sudan. Médecins Sans Frontières stated that many refugees have moved in with local host families, putting pressure on already scarce resources. The UN Refugee Agency announced that Chad needs $214.1 million to provide vital services for the displaced, and only 16% of this amount had been secured by the beginning of June.