UNHCR Suspends Aid to Refugees in Egypt Due to Funding Shortages

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) announced on Tuesday that it is suspending vital aid to refugees in Egypt, including medical care for many fleeing war-torn Sudan, due to a lack of funding, Arab News reported. The agency stated that only emergency life-saving procedures will continue, impacting around 20,000 patients who require treatments such as cancer care, heart surgeries, and medications for chronic conditions.

UNHCR public health officer Jakob Arhem warned that without the agency’s support, many patients will be unable to afford necessary healthcare, leading to worsening health conditions and potential fatalities. Last year, UNHCR received less than half of the $135 million needed to assist over 939,000 registered refugees in Egypt.

Egypt currently hosts more than 1.5 million Sudanese refugees, with around 670,000 registered with UNHCR. The agency has provided essential support to vulnerable groups, but these programs are now at risk without urgent funding.