Record admissions at Médecins sans frontières (MSF) hospital in Dagahaley, Dadaab, as humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate – African Business

Hospital admissions of children suffering from severe malnutrition have spiked in Dagahaley, one of three refugee camps in the Dadaab refugee complex, amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the overcrowded camps, says Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

In 2022, MSF treated a record 12,007 patients – an overwhelming majority of whom are children – in its pediatric ward and inpatient therapeutic feeding centre (ITFC) in Dagahaley, a 33% increase from preceding year. MSF data shows an alarming rise in child admissions. It also shows a steadily increasing trend in global acute malnutrition (GAM), among Dagahaley camp children. This reached 8 percent in mid-upper arm circumference screening in December 2022. This represents a 45 per cent increase compared with the previous screening in July 20,22.

Numerous complex factors are increasing the humanitarian situation in Dagahaley and straining the healthcare capacity in the camp. The ongoing cholera epidemic, which was declared at the end October 2022, has ravaged refugee camps and communities in Garissa, Wajir, and other counties. People in the Horn of Africa continue to be forced to flee because of a prolonged drought and conflict. A lack of funding means that inadequate humanitarian response is a major factor in creating large-scale gaps in many sectors, including water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, and protection.

Worryingly though, the outlook for refugees this year is grim. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Dec 2022, has forecasted a sixth consecutive year of dry weather from March to May 2023, which will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. Humanitarian actors are concerned about expected funding cuts for refugees. This would force them downscale operations at an time when they are experiencing rapid growth.

MSF, in coordination of the host community, humanitarian actors and other actors, has increased its emergency support beyond comprehensive healthcare to Dagahaley camp. MSF has established two medical outposts, constructed 50 latrines and put in place two water tanks. It also distributed plastic sheeting, floor mats, and other materials to approximately 800 families who have recently arrived at the camp’s outskirts. Despite MSF’s efforts to target the most vulnerable refugees living on the fringes of Dagahaley camp, the current humanitarian crisis in Dadaab urgently requires wide-scale response to avert further deterioration.

MSF appeals to donors to quickly release financial assistance. This is critical for meeting the growing need for protection and life-saving assistance. UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC), has made appeals for donors to mobilize funds for the reopening of IFO 2. This site was initially closed in 2018 and can accommodate up to 80,000 refugees. This is in preparation for the coming dry season, when more people will be expected to arrive into Dadaab. If the appeals from donors are not met and there is no urgent response, the incoming influx can cause chaos beyond what humanitarian agencies can manage with current resources.

Dadaab refugee families have been trapped in a protracted emergency for over 30 years. Even as the immediate priority is to respond to the escalating needs in the camps, it is equally vital to implement the durable solution agenda for refugees – embedded in the Kenyan legal framework, notably the 2022 Refugee Act – as its de-facto application in Dadaab has trailed.

Dadaab currently has over 233,000 registered refugees. Many of these refugees have been living in the camps over 30 years (UNHCR, July 20,222) and more that 80,000 unregistered refugees. Over 50,000 people arrived in Dadaab in 2022, but they are not yet officially registered as refugees.

MSF has been delivering healthcare in and around Dadaab for most of the camp’s 30-year existence. Our current programs are focused on Dagahaley Camp, where we provide comprehensive care to refugees and host communities. This includes basic and specialist care through two medical posts and a 92-bed hospital. Our medical services include medical and psychological assistance for survivors of sexual or gender-based violence, as well as medical and reproductive healthcare.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).