Chad: MSF Calls for Urgent Aid to Support Sudanese Refugees Fleeing to Chad

In the Tine transit camp and nearby refugee camps in eastern Chad, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is increasing assistance for newly arrived Sudanese refugees. These refugees are fleeing violence in North Darfur. Since late April, around 40,000 refugees have arrived in Tine from El Fasher and surrounding camps. They now face overcrowded conditions and limited access to basic services.

Many arrivals are malnourished and suffering psychological distress. Most of them are women and children from El Fasher and Zamzam camp. They have endured starvation due to a siege by the Rapid Support Forces. Famine conditions have persisted for months in Zamzam camp.

One woman shared her experience: "We've walked a long way to get here. We passed through several villages to escape violence and bombings. We've been here for days but struggle to find food and water." The Tine transit camp currently hosts over 18,000 people. Many sleep on bare ground in extreme heat with little shelter or access to food.

MSF has increased medical activities at the transit camp and border area. They provide nutrition screenings and vaccinations at the border point. Recently, MSF conducted over 900 consultations per week at the health post in the transit camp. The malnutrition rate among children under five is as high as 29%, with 9% severely malnourished.

Vaccination efforts remain crucial due to detected measles cases. A mass vaccination campaign is ongoing. Care for pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence is also provided at the health post. MSF refers critical patients to hospitals and plans to build 50 emergency latrines. They distribute therapeutic food and essential items but only provide half of the needed water—60,000 liters daily.

"Sudanese refugees arrive exhausted, many malnourished," says Claire San Filippo, MSF's emergency coordinator for Sudan. She urges donors, the UN, and other organizations to increase support for food, shelter, sanitation, and medical care including mental health services. The current humanitarian response is inadequate; upcoming rains may worsen living conditions.

Despite significant needs in Tine transit camp, aid distribution remains limited despite community support. A financial crisis affects humanitarian efforts across eastern Chad as conflict continues in Sudan. More people are trying to reach Chad.

MSF also operates in Wadi Fira refugee camps like Iridimi where some Tine refugees are relocated. To improve conditions there, MSF supports the Iridimi health center with basic healthcare continuity, vaccinations, epidemiological surveillance improvements, patient flow enhancements, referral system reinforcement, and hygiene upgrades.

The humanitarian situation at the Chad-Sudan border has reached a tipping point again with over 70,000 new refugees arriving since April 2025. Chad already hosts over one million refugees including more than 800,000 Sudanese who fled since conflict began two years ago.