Ituri: With violence intensifying in South Sudan, more than 33,000 refugees have fled to northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In May, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams launched emergency activities to provide lifesaving medical care to a community facing crisis.
According to African Press Organization, the situation in South Sudan has led to the displacement of an estimated 300,000 people between January and June, with 125,000 fleeing to neighboring countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and DRC. In DRC alone, over 33,000 individuals have arrived since April, as reported by the country's National Council of Refugees. This influx has exacerbated the challenges in Ituri province, which has been a hotspot for conflict for decades.
Among the refugees is Blessing Halima, who fled Morobo County in South Sudan with her six children after witnessing extreme violence. She recounts seeing planes attacking from the sky and her husband being taken, prompting their escape. Like Blessing, Atay Rose also traveled for days through the bush to reach safety in Adi, DRC.
Instability in South Sudan has led to the collapse of already fragile public services, forcing MSF to close two hospitals and scale down operations due to attacks on health facilities. Most refugees arriving in DRC hail from Morobo County, which has become volatile due to intensified fighting. MSF has suspended activities in the area following the abduction of health workers.
The refugees arrive in DRC with little to no possessions. Jacob Justin, a refugee, expresses the dire situation, stating they have no access to schools, hospitals, or clean water. Viola Kani, who fled with her family, describes their plight of hunger and lack of shelter after losing everything.
MSF's emergency response includes mobile clinics and community healthcare centers. In two months, over 3,000 medical consultations were conducted, with malaria being the most common illness. MSF also screens children for malnutrition and provides therapeutic food to those in need.
A looming threat is the risk of disease outbreaks, with measles cases already reported among refugees. MSF plans a mass vaccination campaign targeting 62,000 children in August. Additionally, infrastructure projects, including water distribution points and latrines, are underway to support the refugees' basic needs.
Despite these efforts, MSF faces mounting challenges with limited support from other organizations. Asiyat Magomedova of MSF emphasizes the need for more partners to prevent further loss of life.
In South Sudan, the situation remains critical. Dr. Ferdinand Atte of MSF stresses the importance of safe access to affected populations and the protection of civilians and infrastructure. For refugees like Viola, the prospect of returning home is grim, as safety remains uncertain.