As the conflict in Sudan continues past the sixth week, more than 1 million people have been displaced from their homes. Neighboring countries have seen a rise in refugees, with estimates putting it at over 870,000. Abel Whande, CARE South Sudan Country Director, shared CARE's main concerns and responses to the situation:
“Since the conflict started in Sudan in mid-April, the number of people fleeing to South Sudan has been increasing. According to UNHCR, as of 31st May over 87,000 individuals had crossed over and reports indicate that 53% are women and girls who are arriving with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
South Sudan was already in the grips of the worst humanitarian disaster since the country’s inception. Over 9.4 million South Sudanese are in need of humanitarian assistance. With the added influx of refugees, South Sudan will need a lot of support to respond to the needs of those fleeing the violence. Individuals are in urgent need of shelter, food, nutrition, and health services.
CARE International in South Sudan has been working alongside other partners to offer much-needed health and nutrition services in Pariang, with plans to increase assistance across sectors and to other counties. Current responses include curative consultation, nutrition screening, COVID-19 screening, routine vaccination, referral services, and messages on non-communicable diseases. At the same time, we are working alongside the Government Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) and other international humanitarian agencies to identify and prioritize the needs of refugees in Pariang and Rubkona Counties.”
For media inquiries, please contact David Mutua, CARE International East, Central, and Southern Africa Regional Communications Advisor via: [email protected]; or Yoal Manyang, CARE South Sudan Information & Communications Manager via: [email protected].