When Ahmed arrived at our clinic in Adré, Chad, he could barely stand.
A young refugee from Sudan, he had already endured the trauma of fleeing his home. By the time he reached the border, exhaustion had taken its toll.
Weak, fatigued, and unsure of where to turn, Ahmed was brought to the Zakat Foundation of America health clinic near the border. But even in that moment of urgency, another fear lingered in his mind: the cost of treatment. For displaced families from Sudan, healthcare is often out of reach, and even basic medical care can feel impossible to afford.
Then came the words that changed everything: the care he needed would be completely free.
He was quickly examined and given the necessary medication. Within a short time, his condition began to improve. Ahmed left the clinic not only treated but reassured.
His story reflects a much larger crisis.
Since April 2023, the conflict in Sudan has become the world’s largest humanitarian emergency. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 33.7 million people now require humanitarian assistance. Over 11 million have been forcibly displaced, making this the largest displacement crisis in the world today.
Families continue to flee violence, hunger, and collapsing infrastructure. For millions, survival depends on access to basic services that no longer exist.
Many of these families have crossed into Chad, one of the largest hosts of Sudanese refugees. Since the conflict began, hundreds of thousands have arrived in border regions like Adré, placing immense strain on already limited resources. Most arrivals are women and children, many of whom have experienced significant trauma and loss.
Located close to refugee settlements, our health clinic now serves more than 70 patients each day. It provides medical consultations, diagnostic support, and essential medications all free of charge. For families who have lost everything, this access can mean the difference between recovery and deterioration.
Another effective way to prevent the spread of diseases and improve community health is access to clean water. Through the construction of a solar-powered water well, along with a pumping and storage system, approximately 10,000 Sudanese refugees and host community members now have reliable access to safe drinking water. By reducing reliance on unsafe water sources, the project has improved hygiene and sanitation conditions, lowered health risks, and eased the burden of water collection.
As the situation in Sudan continues, the demand for humanitarian assistance is only growing. Millions still lack access to basic healthcare. Families continue to arrive at borders in search of safety. And clinics like this one remain a critical point of support.
