Médecins Sans Frontier teams in Tanzania warry what threat the novel virus may pose to the refugees in Nduta camp. The team arrived in Tanzania in 2015 because of a Cholera outbreak by newly arrived Burundian refugees. Thousands of people residing in the area are susceptible to multiple infections because they have limited access to health care services.
The area is prone to acute respiratory illness, malaria, diarrhea, tuberculosis and other infections. Such that in case of a potential outbreak, it is impossible to save lives. MSF, the basic health care officers in the area are working their level best in case of an outbreak. MSF team consists of around 800 members which include staff and volunteers. Daily, they dedicate their lives to treating thousands of patients.
Where is the Nduta camp located and how many refugees does it host?
Nduta is a refugee camp that accommodates about 101000 Burundian refugees. The refugees are victims of eviction and chaos in Burundi in 2015. It is situated in Kigoma, one of the poorest regions, at the border between Tanzania and Burundi. Pete Clausen, MSF head urges the World Health Organization to act before it is too late. Especially since the novel virus spreads like wildfire. As of 10th April, Tanzania confirms 19 coronavirus infections and 1 death.
Looming coronavirus attack in the camp due to poor living conditions.
Clausen says he represents MSF in Tanzania and has witnessed poor working conditions. In the camp, they run a 150-bed hospital, which 101000 refugees rely on. As the main health care commander, he pledges extra support with his major concern as getting prepared for the pandemic. Most of the refugees suffer from severe co-morbidities like sickle cell, tuberculosis, and HIV. Hence cases will be lethal in case of coronavirus attack.
Similarly, if they don’t apply control measures, the virus will attack many in just a few weeks. Hence a lot of people will succumb. The refugees are endangered Mainly because of the poor living conditions. They live in poorly ventilated shelters with limited access to water and sanitation. Their living conditions are nowhere close to standard.
Cramped Conditions in the Nduta Refugee Camp.
It is in Nduta where the luxury of quarantine and social distancing is impossible. Simply because the refugees reside in small rooms that shelter over five family members. The cramped conditions make it hard to adopt good sanitation and hygiene. Especially since they have few social amenities. In January, the medical team examined many patients with watery diarrhea and breathing problems. Besides, currently, the infections have taken a toll since there are many patients in the tents.
Tanzania demands the deportation of Burundian refugees because of tough times amid the pandemic.
The situation is challenging in Tanzania despite the doctors without boundaries providing aid to the refugees. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is experiencing a financial crisis. The Tanzanian government demands the departure of Burundi nationalities who arrived as refugees from October.
UN Agency refuses the deportation of Burundian refugees.
However, the UN Agency for refugees criticized the idea saying despite the negotiations, refugees should return out of their own will. Why? This is because the environment in Burundi was not conducive for returns since the country was experiencing a political crisis.
The Agency said the crisis led to massacres and as such, they wouldn’t wish more Burundians to lose their lives. The state police conducted brutal acts. This resulted in many Burundians fleeing the country and ended up losing their homes. Currently, it’s an issue of concern for the refugees living in Nduta camp especially because of the looming pandemic.
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