Sudanese refugees face harsh realities in Chad amid crisis

The ongoing crisis in Sudan has led to the world's largest displacement crisis, with 13 million people fleeing their homes. Many of these refugees have sought safety in Chad, particularly in areas like Guereda, which is located about 20 miles from the Sudanese border. Upon arrival, they face dire conditions, including a lack of food, water, and healthcare. Aid organizations, such as the World Food Programme and World Vision, have begun providing cash assistance to help refugees purchase food from local farmers, who are also struggling due to the influx of displaced individuals onto their farmland. Among the refugees is Suad Abdulaziz Ahmad, a 29-year-old mother who arrived in Chad with her children, having lost everything in the conflict. Despite her dire circumstances, she remains hopeful that international aid will eventually reach them. The situation is particularly critical for children, who are suffering from severe malnutrition. Dr. Goukouni Bichara Ahmat, a pediatrician in Eastern Chad, reports a significant increase in cases of acute malnutrition over the past year, with at least ten children dying from related complications. One such child, 15-month-old Iqbal, has been treated multiple times for malnutrition at a local clinic supported by UNICEF and the International Red Cross. Her mother, Halima Ali Adam, struggles to provide adequate nutrition, having been unable to breastfeed since birth. The clinic provides therapeutic biscuits to families upon discharge to aid in recovery, but the challenges remain immense. The combination of war in Sudan and the harsh realities faced in Chad highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance. As refugees continue to arrive, the situation calls for immediate action to address the growing humanitarian crisis and support those affected by the conflict.