The ongoing conflict in Sudan has sparked a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions marked by political unrest and violence. HealthNet TPO is supporting the thousands of people entering South Sudan with vital health and mental health services.
Humanitarian crisis
Since the outbreak on the 15th April 2023, thousands of people have been forced to flee their home for safety. Over 450,000 people have fled Sudan to neighbouring countries, notably to Chad, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Egypt and Ethiopia. More than 110,000 people have crossed the border into neighbouring South Sudan (as of 11th June 2023, UNHCR), where humanitarian organisations like HealthNet TPO and local authorities address the urgent needs of those fleeing the violence.
Different people, different stories, different needs
More than 90% of the individuals entering into South Sudan (more than 100,000 people) are former refugees who sought safety in Sudan during the previous South Sudanese conflict. They find themselves forced to return to their home country, unable to go back to their original homes due to ongoing insecurity and violence.
The remaining 7,500 are Sudanese and non-Sudanese nationals who find themselves asking for help to the country they have been trying to separate themselves from for generations. Despite the differences, all need support and organisations like HNTPO make no distinction in providing help.
How are we helping?
Mental health and psychosocial support
HealthNet TPO is providing mental health and psychosocial support to people entering into South Sudan and to host communities in Aweil West, Aweil North counties. These efforts help to alleviate trauma and promote healing among affected people.
We are working closely with boma health workers (community-based health workers), healthcare professionals and gender and social inclusion officers to offer vital mental health services, including counselling and psychological first aid.
Providing vital health services
HealthNet TPO operates in several health facilities, providing vital basic healthcare services including trauma care, treatment of diseases, mental healthcare and counselling to displaced persons and host communities.
Three key facilities, Wedweil primary healthcare unit, Gok Machar primary healthcare centre, and Jaac primary healthcare unit, cater to the needs of people crossing the border from Sudan. Wedweil, serves as a transit site, providing temporary settlement for individuals awaiting final arrangements for return or transfer to designated refugee camps.
“With more people arriving daily, there is need for more and urgent funding to strengthen the response and provide the overarching and lifesaving needs of these population”
– Julius Opio, HNTPO Programme Manager
Wedweil primary healthcare center
This health facility, is the only health facility supporting patients at the Wedweil Transit Site. Supported by HealthNet TPO, the health facility admits hundreds of patients a day, with a high severity of needs. The health centre currently treats more than 200 patients a day and accommodates 5,546 people (2,195 refugees and 3,351 returnees) travelling from Sudan.
HealthNet TPO is also working with partner organisations, in particular WHO, MEDAIR and MSF, to ensure that the capacity of this facility is enhanced to provide hospital care and mobile clinic services to refugees and returnees.
We also support many people who have returned to South Sudan, to get back to their homes, with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) partners. Many are stuck in limbo, unable to return to their original homes due to ongoing insecurity and conflict within South Sudan.
“The health situation of returnees and refugees in Wedweil transit site is so dire. The number of people here increases daily as more people keep coming from Sudan. The Shelter and WASH situation among returnees and refugees is very worrying and is leading to high levels of morbidity. It is putting a lot of pressure on the existing and already overstretched health care system in Aweil West and Aweil North. At the transit site, there is only one primary health care unit supported by HealthNet TPO which is currently seeing more than 200 patients a day, a fourfold increase from the previous caseload of less than 50 patients a day. With more people arriving daily, there is need for more and urgent funding to strengthen the response and provide the overarching and lifesaving needs of these population” — Julius Opio, HNTPO Programme Manager
Other vital services: vaccinations
County mobile vaccination teams administer emergency immunisations and COVAX vaccinations children below the age of one and adults above 18 years. This preventive measure safeguards vulnerable populations from infectious diseases, including COVID-19.
Furthermore, HNTPO actively engages in risk communication initiatives aimed at disease prevention, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) promotion, nutrition education, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. By leveraging a network of existing boma health workers and health facility staff, we disseminate crucial information and empowers individuals with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves and their communities.
Beacon of hope
By providing vital healthcare, vaccination and mental health services, organisations like HNTPO are a beacon of hope for the lives of those fleeing the Sudan crisis to South Sudan. You can support our work in South Sudan by donating today.
