Relief in Darfur

An estimated 3.6 million people have been affected by the ongoing crisis in Darfur, Sudan. Over one million people have fled their homes and many thousands have been killed during intense civil strife. Most people who have been displaced have fled their villages for refugee camps but are struggling to cope with the horrific lack of water, food and medicine. Aid agencies fear that many thousands of people face starvation. Children in particular are facing malnutrion and dehydration. The refugee camps continue to be in need of basic medical and social services due to the insecurity and a lack of funding.

Some 1.8 million children have been affected by the conflict; some of them have been displaced multiple times through repeated attacks and by losing their parents in the conflict. This situation is truly a crisis, and we are doing all we can to bring help to the suffering people there. Much of our relief goes out as emergency shipments directly to the country or to refugee camps in surrounding areas. These camps are often the only place of safety for orphans and families who have been displaced by the conflict. A shipment of dehydrated meal supplements or medical supplies goes a long way toward bringing comfort and material help to these people who have suffered so much.

MTCF supports mobile health clinics that give emergency aid and actively reach out to refugees teaching them about basic hygiene and water safety practices. We are also making it possible for latrines to be built in the refugee camps and the most devastated villages to promote community health and make it possible for refugees to return to their villages and homes. One of the most important resources in these camps and villages is a healthy source of water. We are making it possible for hand pumps, taps, and wells to be built or repaired in Southern Sudan where so many people have no other access to clean, safe water.