Waves of Displacement to White Nile State as Shelter Conditions Worsen

Authorities in White Nile State, southern Sudan, have warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation for displaced persons. They highlighted the inability of camps to provide adequate shelter and food as more families flee neighboring states.

The State Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, Lamia Abdullah, told Al Jazeera Mubasher that the state is receiving consecutive waves of displaced people due to its central location and proximity to several other states.

She added that more than 500 families from West and South Kordofan states fled to the “Goz Al-Salam” camp in the state during last December and January, noting that many are large families consisting of at least 8 or 9 members.

She continued by stating that the displacement process is ongoing, pointing out that the displaced are being received in very dire living and health conditions.

The spokesperson mentioned that the “Goz Al-Salam” camp has become overcrowded with a large number of displaced people, posing a significant challenge to humanitarian agencies.

She explained that the primary challenge is providing the necessary food for the displaced in light of weak funding and financial support provided to organizations. The second challenge, she added, is the health situation.

The White Nile State Humanitarian Aid Commissioner noted that the displaced, most of whom are women, children, the elderly, and the infirm arrive at the camp in difficult health conditions. This adds further burdens to the authorities responsible for providing health services, noting that there are many cases requiring transfer to larger hospitals with better equipment.