South Sudan Crisis: New Emergency Medical Aid Underway

In response to conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, AmeriCares has responded with a new shipment of emergency aid to help 15,000 people suffering from serious infections, malaria, pain and disease.Escalating violence in South Sudan has given rise to a massive population displacement, leaving tens of thousands of people in dire need of emergency medical care. As part of our response to the crisis, AmeriCares has sent a new shipment of urgently-needed medical aid to help fill critical gaps in local resources needed to provide primary health care.Shipment of an Emergency Medical Module is now underway, containing enough medicines to help our partner deliver primary health care to as many as 15,000 sick and injured people and their host communities for up to three months.Clashes between government and armed groups, and ongoing border conflicts with Sudan have severely stressed an already under-resourced health infrastructure — particularly in Jonglei, Lakes, Unity and Warup states.  In communities hosting large numbers of displaced persons and refugees, outbreaks of malaria and acute watery diarrhea have been worsened by overcrowding and lack of public sanitation. Given the very limited access to medical care in affected areas among the displaced, expectant mothers and babies are especially at risk.

Crisis and Conflict in South Sudan

220,000

Sudanese refugees

70,000

Internally displaced people

55,000

newly displaced in 2013The new shipment is the latest in our ongoing emergency aid to the South Sudan, including:

• Health clinic rehab: In one Upper Nile state, we funded the rehabilitation of three clinics providing primary health care to approximately 13,000 people.
• Emergency Medical Modules: Our medical aid shipments have replenished dwindling stocks of antibiotics, medicines and wound care supplies, enabling caregivers to help up to 30,000 patients in affected areas. 
• A portable warehouse was provided to our partner to meet the logistical challenges of working in such a remote and rugged location.
• Deployment of our emergency response team to ensure that aid reached areas with the most urgent needs. 

Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has been one of the world’s poorest and under-developed nations, with little infrastructure and few hospitals or health centers. Amid the violence and instability in this troubled region, AmeriCares remains committed to helping the people of South Sudan as long as our support is needed.Donate Now