Doctors Without Borders

Published purpose

July 2014 - The complex humanitarian situation in South Sudan has become much worse since fighting broke out between government and anti-government forces in Juba, the capital city, in December 2013. The fighting has displaced some 1.1 million people from their homes within South Sudan, and more than 400,000 people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and Uganda). Agricultural production has been disrupted, and essential basic services, such as water points, schools and medical facilities have been shut down or destroyed in the fighting. Immediate humanitarian assistance needs both within South Sudan and in neighbouring countries include food, health care, shelter, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene. With DFATD’s support, Doctors Without Borders Canada is providing emergency health care for 90,000 conflict-affected people in Awerial County, Lakes State, South Sudan. Project activities include: (1) establishing and maintaining emergency primary health clinics in the Minkamman camp for internally displaced people benefitting 75,000 camp residents and 5,000 people from the host community; (2) providing safe drinking water and vaccinations, including cholera vaccines, for all camp residents and up to 10,000 displaced people on the nearby islands of Matiang; (3) providing emergency obstetric services; and (4) providing services, such as counselling and psychosocial support, for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.