Responding to the Sudan Regional Crisis

As war in Sudan rages on, individuals and families are continuing to flee the country in search of safe shelter and lifesaving care. In neighboring South Sudan and Chad — where border communities are facing extreme challenges such as overstretched health systems, high rates of disease outbreaks, and supply shortages — Relief International is continuing to strengthen critical services for those who have been displaced by conflict.  

For example, earlier this year, the only functioning hospital in the entire county of Renk, South Sudan was left with limited staff, unable to meet the growing needs of both the local and refugee populations. After consulting with the community, Relief International deployed additional healthcare workers and began supporting Renk Civil Hospital’s emergency and outpatient departments. Today, the facility is providing much-needed surgeries, safe newborn deliveries, and essential medical care. 

Sudanese refugee Ibrahim experienced the benefit of the restored hospital first-hand. Ibrahim suffered an abdominal hernia while trying to lift his fallen donkey. Forced to flee violence in his home country, he carried his pain with him as he made the difficult journey to South Sudan. Following a consultation with Relief International’s mobile medical unit, he was urgently referred to Renk Civil Hospital where he underwent successful surgery free of charge. 

And in Jalhak, a hard-to-reach village near Renk, reliance on untreated water and lack of access to healthcare made preventable illnesses part of daily life. Relief International worked in partnership with the local community to rehabilitate the village’s existing water treatment plant, creating a sustainable solution that is locally managed and built to serve for years to come. 

Alongside clean water, we are also delivering much-needed healthcare in Jalhak through a newly established maternity ward and a mobile medical unit. At the same time, trained hygiene promoters are visiting households with practical information that everyone can understand, regardless of literacy level.  

In just three months, Relief International has delivered more than 32,000 health consultations through seven health facilities in Renk County and nearby Maban. Our local staff have assisted more than 250 women during birth and provided critical nutrition support to over 7,000 women and children. 

While significant strides have been made, the needs remain immense. 

“We’re so grateful for the opportunity to provide these services, but there is so much more needed. Now is the time to support these communities,” urges Bisma, Deputy Country Director at Relief International in South Sudan.

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