The Joda border crossing between Sudan and South Sudan sees thousands fleeing violence, with reports of over 12.5 million displaced since April 2023. Arrivals are categorized into refugees or returnees, with support provided by organizations like IOM and MSF. Health care and psychological support are critical amid severe humanitarian crises in the region, impacted by funding cuts from USAID.
The Joda border crossing between Sudan and South Sudan is experiencing a continuous influx of people escaping violence. Just 100 meters divide the two checkpoints, with flags welcoming refugees on the Sudanese side. Many women arrive carrying children and their belongings, while families load carts with essentials, making their way to South Sudan for safety.
Hamed Attaher, a 26-year-old student from Khartoum, expresses relief upon reaching South Sudan, where he hopes to reunite with his aunt in Juba after a year of travel. South Sudan faces a significant humanitarian crisis as thousands flee war in Sudan. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, over 12.5 million people have been displaced, with at least 5,000 crossing daily into South Sudan’s Upper Nile state as of early December.
Upon crossing, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) categorizes arrivals as either refugees or returnees. Many are returning to South Sudan after fleeing the civil war that erupted in 2013. Humanitarian efforts recognize shared cultural ties, referring to both sides as “one people.” Tents provided by UNHCR offer temporary shelter and food while individuals await further transportation.
Health care is a priority at the crossing. “Green” patients, those stable enough to wait for care, are managed by IOM, while Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) addresses urgent cases. A recent evacuation included a critically ill five-month-old baby receiving care for severe malnutrition. Some refugees choose informal settlements, while others utilize organized transport services to reach towns.
Attaher boards a truck with others, beginning the final segment of his journey. In Renk County Hospital, newborn twins, Hosseini and Hasana, born to Bakhita, find care after their premature birth in a makeshift settlement. Their arrival adds to the significant number of displaced people supported in this region, where access to essential resources is limited.
Since December, an estimated 110,000 individuals have arrived at Renk County, with 70,000 residing in informal settlements like Gosfami, facing severe shortages of food and water. MSF has set up extra tents to accommodate war-wounded patients, providing healthcare to refugees and local populations alike.
Atem Deng Ajak, an MSF doctor, states that care is extended to all individuals in need, regardless of their origin. Amid these challenges, mothers like Amna strive to comfort their children. Amna describes her arduous journey from Sennar, where conflict prompted their departure, as she grapples with the emotional toll of war on her family.
Psychological support is available for those impacted by trauma in humanitarian tents where children are encouraged to play. A humanitarian worker emphasizes the critical need for support among mothers experiencing loss or worry for their children’s health, recounting the challenges faced by families.
Cuts to aid, particularly from USAID, severely impact the humanitarian operation in South Sudan, as these funds comprise more than half of the country’s budget for assistance. The halt in transportation and other vital services due to recent policy changes has compounded the dire situation for those seeking refuge.
Dr. Ajak highlights the commitment of caregivers to support families like Bakhita’s while acknowledging the overwhelming challenges the healthcare system faces. “We are feeding the twins’ mother so she can produce milk, but in the end, only God can help us,” he observes, addressing the urgent need for continued support in the region.
The situation at the South Sudan border illustrates a critical humanitarian crisis as thousands flee violence from Sudan. The care provided by organizations like IOM and MSF is vital in assisting both refugees and returnees. Psychological support and basic healthcare are essential for those affected by trauma and conflict. Continued funding and support are necessary to address these escalating needs in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
