A combination of an influx of refugees, drought, and flooding has led to significant strain on the MSF healthcare facilities in Dagahaley, where the camp is hosting over 100,000 people, which is more than twice its intended capacity. This situation is reflected in Ifo and Hagadera camps too.

The sanitation situation in the camp has also worsened, particularly for new arrivals and some of the older refugees in the blocks who have no access to latrines. The prolonged cholera outbreak has only exacerbated the already dire situation, putting even more pressure on the healthcare facilities providing care and treatment to those affected.

This increase in number of refugees arriving in Kenya happens at a time when there is a gradual decline of funding, despite the compounding humanitarian needs. This reduction in funding also presents a threat to the implementation of the durable solutions for refugees towards self-reliance and integration into host communities.

If this situation remains, we are staring at a looming health catastrophe in Dadaab refugee camps.