Medical sources in the Birao refugee camp confirmed 18 people, including 13 children, have died from a measles outbreak.
Officials attributed the surge to crumbling health services and a critical shortage of medicines at the camp’s only hospital.
Refugees described being forced to rely on traditional remedies, with many children missing routine vaccinations for extended periods.
Birao camp hosts thousands of Sudanese refugees, including pastoral groups moving seasonally between Sudan and the Central African Republic.
The camp has become a focal point amid the mass displacement caused by war in Sudan since April 2023.
UNHCR data shows more than 38,000 Sudanese have fled to the Central African Republic, joining millions seeking safety in neighboring nations.
Humanitarian agencies warn that overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited medical resources leave refugee populations vulnerable to deadly outbreaks.
Aid groups are calling for urgent vaccine campaigns and medical reinforcements to contain the rapid spread of measles in the camp.
Residents report widespread fear and grief as families struggle to care for sick children amid minimal health support.
The Birao outbreak highlights the growing humanitarian crisis triggered by the Sudan conflict and the fragile state of refugee health infrastructure.
