South Sudanese refugees in the camps of White Nile State in Sudan have complained of hunger, food shortages, and deteriorating health conditions.

Younus Reith, an activist in the refugee camp, confirmed the suffering of refugees in the eastern sector camps in Al-Jabalain Province due to hunger and food shortages because there has been no distribution of food rations for over two months.

“The overall situation is that the refugee camps are witnessing a severe hunger crisis,” he said.

Another South Sudanese refugee, Booth Dam Lam, said the situation was very dire in camps like Jabal Bosun, Alaqaya, and Alqanah, from where he reported suffering due to deteriorating health conditions and food shortages.

“Refugees are enduring difficult circumstances due to the lack of healthcare, absence of free medications, and high prices of medicines,” he stated. “It is impossible for refugees to afford the cost of treatment.”

Dam also confirmed that he had not received food rations for more than three months and that this has exacerbated the dire situation significantly. He called on the World Food Programme (WFP) to urgently distribute food rations to the refugees.

He added that the health centers inside the camps do not provide diagnostic services or medication, and patients are sent to hospitals outside the camp, placing a heavy burden on the refugees.

Meanwhile, Margaret Johnson, a female refugee, acknowledged the worsening conditions in the camps due to the lack of medications and hunger.

“There are many diseases and the health center demands patients to pay money for treatment,” he said.  

She pointed out the lack of money and food and also emphasized the urgent need to provide food and medical treatment to the refugees.