IOM warns 100,000 risk losing healthcare as key South Sudan border clinic nears closure

Wunthou/Geneva, 5 November 2026 – An estimated 100,000 people risk losing access to essential healthcare in Wunthou, South Sudan according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as funding shortages threaten to shut down the only health clinic at Sudan–South Sudan border crossing. The clinic, operated by IOM, provides essential healthcare to refugees, South Sudanese returnees and host communities. "People are arriving at this border after fleeing violence, often injured, sick or exhausted, this clinic is their first opportunity to receive medical care,” said Vijaya Souri, IOM Chief of Mission in South Sudan. “If it closes, thousands could be left without treatment at the very moment they need it most." The facility is struggling to cope with rising demand for medical care as more people arrive at the border, many in need of urgent treatment after fleeing violence and enduring dangerous journeys. Without urgent financial support, the facility risks shutting down by December, leaving thousands without access to emergency treatment, maternal healthcare, vaccinations, primary healthcare, and other life-saving services. Since the conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, nearly all of the 1.3 million people who have crossed into South Sudan from Sudan have entered through Wunthou, making it a critical entry point for those fleeing the war. Located along the Sudan–South Sudan border, Wunthou also serves as a gateway to the Renk Transit Centre, which continues to accommodate large numbers of South Sudanese returning from Sudan. Over the course of the conflict, the clinic has provided more than 400,000 medical consultations, administered over 260,000 vaccinations and assisted in the safe delivery of more than 1,000 babies. Health workers have also stabilized 6,022 critically ill and injured patients who were then successfully referred for advanced medical care. Despite increasingly limited resources, the clinic continues to provide more than 1,000 outpatient consultations every week. Many people crossing into South Sudan arrive with injuries, untreated illnesses and psychological trauma after experiencing violence, displacement and prolonged periods without medical care. Others suffer from infections linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and exposure to harsh conditions during their journeys. The potential closure also raises wider public health concerns. Beyond treating patients, the clinic plays a critical role in detecting infectious diseases, vaccinating new arrivals, and preventing cross-border outbreaks and spread. Interruptions to these services could increase health risks for displaced populations, the surrounding communities, and threaten global health security. With Sudan's conflict continuing to force people across borders, pressure on already stretched health services in South Sudan remains high. Sustained funding is urgently needed to keep Wunthou Clinic operational and ensure that people fleeing violence can continue to access essential healthcare. IOM is seeking USD 131 million through its 2026 South Sudan Crisis Response Plan to provide humanitarian assistance and support to 1.4 million people affected by the crisis. For More information, please contact IOM Media Center.