Violence and Hunger Driving Tens of Thousands into Refugee Camps in South Sudan; International Medical Corps Teams

Seeing Alarming Rates of Malnutrition, Especially Among Children

Margaret Aguirre Director, Global Communications 310.826.7800 maguirre@InternationalMedicalCorps.org

June 6, 2012 - Los Angeles, Calif. International Medical Corps is rapidly mobilizing to address urgent nutrition and disease prevention needs among rising refugee populations in South Sudans Upper Nile State. Since the start of 2012, the influx of refugees and returnees into South Sudan has risen dramatically, particularly in Upper Nile State, as conflict and hunger in Sudans Blue Nile State continues to drive people across the border. Estimates from the UN Refugee Agency indicate that over 110,000 refugees are in Maban County alone, with over 40,000 more expected in the coming weeks. Malnutrition levels are high among refugees, the majority of them women and children. Many of the arrivals cite hungernot conflictas their main reason for crossing the border, reporting that they were forced to consume leaves and insects during an average 15-day trek. The rate of acute water diarrhea among refugees is also alarmingly high. Maban County currently houses three refugee camps (Jamam, Doro, and Yusuf Batil) and Hofra transit site, which was set up three weeks ago to move refugees further away from insecurity along the Sudanese border. Although their stay in Hofra was not intended to exceed 10 days, over 34,000 refugees remain stranded at the site with limited access to shelter, food, water, sanitation facilities, and basic health services. There will soon be approximately 70,000 underserved refugees in Yusuf Batil and a new camp to be established. Water at the Hofra site will run out in fewer than 10 days, at which point it is expected that refugees will move spontaneously to other sites in search of water, creating informal settlements in the area. Water recently was found in Yusuf Batil camp, however nearby Jamam and Doro camps, currently hosting 37,000 refugees each, are stretched to maximum capacity and have limited water. The combination of over-congestion in the camps, a lack of sanitation facilities, diminishing water supplies, and an imminent rainy season will likely trigger cholera and communicable disease outbreaks in Maban. In order to provide lifesaving care and mitigate potential outbreaks among refugees, International Medical Corps is deploying additional Emergency Response Teams to provide emergency health and integrated nutrition services. Through two mobile outreach teams, International Medical Corps will provide curative services, manage and treat communicable diseases, screen and treat acute malnutrition, and provide appropriate referrals and follow-up for severe malnutrition cases. In recent months, International Medical Corps has scaled up its operations to respond to refugee and returnee population needs throughout the country. In Pochalla County in Jonglei State, International Medical Corps is the only international NGO providing health services in Alari refugee camp, where

10,000 refugees who fled violence in Ethiopia are currently residing. International Medical Corps is also supporting 21 health facilities and responding to casualties in Jonglei State, where inter-communal fighting in has been ongoing since early 2011. The organization has been present in South Sudan since 1994, and currently works in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Central Equatoria and Western Equatoria State. Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit: www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org. Also see us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.