Japan Increases Support for Emergency Health and Border Management in Sudan

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has stated that it received a significant contribution of US$1.5 million this week from the Government of Japan to implement the urgent health response in Sudan and support the management of the humanitarian situation at the border.

The organization notes that the country is currently facing the largest displacement crisis in the world, with the humanitarian situation deteriorating as overcrowded and unsanitary settlement areas for displaced people have become fertile ground for the outbreak of deadly diseases, including cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and measles.

“In these difficult and challenging times, when the people of Sudan are facing unprecedented hardships, the Government of Japan continues its support, enabling us to provide essential humanitarian assistance where it is most needed,” said Mohamed Refaat, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission.

The organization says that 70-80 percent of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are either non-functional or overstretched, and an estimated 65 percent of the population lacks access to adequate health care.

“With this Japanese support, IOM will enhance life-saving healthcare services, accelerate response to disease outbreaks, and strengthen humanitarian border management to ensure safe and dignified passage for people on the move,” the statement said. The initiative will focus on the most vulnerable groups, particularly IDPs in Gedaref, North and West Darfur states.

“Japan has long been committed to supporting initiatives that address the critical healthcare crisis in Sudan,” said Mr. Mizuuchi Kentaro, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Sudan. “In line with IOM’s efforts to provide life-saving healthcare services, this project aims to address the urgent needs of Sudanese communities, especially in light of the large-scale displacement and increased risk of infectious diseases.”

“The country’s inadequate healthcare infrastructure has exacerbated the suffering of many, making it imperative for Japan to step up and help alleviate the hardships faced by the Sudanese people,” he added.

The project will improve resource utilization, empower local actors, and promote sustainable solutions. IOM will closely collaborate with the federal and state ministries of health, immigration authorities, active humanitarian stakeholders in the country, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to implement the project.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=4403