Emergency Medical Aid to South Sudan

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Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, ongoing conflict with Sudan and an escalating refugee crisis has left relief groups in danger of running out of crucial medicines. AmeriCares has responded with emergency medical aid shipments to help 30,000 people suffering from serious infections, malaria, injuries, pain and disease. Clashes with Sudan have sparked a massive influx of refugees and returning South Sudanese citizens to camps where they live in horrific conditions with little hope for a better future. Our disaster response team deployed to the country in advance of the shipments to ensure that the Emergency Medical Modules reached partners in areas with urgent needs: Renk: 20,000 South Sudanese people who have returned to their native country have sought refuge in transit camps in the town of Renk, where medical care is very limited. The aid shipment replenished dwindling stocks of antibiotics, medicines and wound care supplies, enabling medical staff to help thousands of patients. Gendrassa Camp: More than 13,000 refugees have settled in this remote, swampy flood plain, drenched by seasonal rains from May-December. Our partners on the ground have conducted thousands of medical consultations since July 2012, treating patients for respiratory infections, malaria and diarrheal disease. "The sounds of coughing and crying children persist in these camps, where respiratory illnesses can be worsened by the wet conditions," explained Karl Erdmann, emergency response manager at AmeriCares. "These medicines can make a life-saving difference to this vulnerable population." Photo by Riaz Khalil Inside a partner warehouse with AmeriCares provided Medical supplies AmeriCares will also purchase a portable warehouse to deliver to a partner to help meet logistical challenges of working in such a remote and rugged location. South Sudan already was one of the world's poorest and under-developed nations with little infrastructure and few hospitals or health centers. Recent tensions with Sudan have had a crushing economic impact, further straining available resources and medical support. Amid the violence and instability in this troubled region, AmeriCares remains committed to helping the people of South Sudan as long as our support is needed.