The United Nations, January 11 (NationPress) - A staggering 3.2 million children under the age of 5 are anticipated to experience acute malnutrition this year in the conflict-ridden and famine-impacted region of Sudan, as stated by a spokesperson from the UN.
According to Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, over 700,000 of these children are expected to endure severe acute malnutrition. He emphasized that the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is raising a red flag regarding this dire situation, as reported by Xinhua.
Dujarric highlighted that Sudan is facing the world’s most significant child displacement crisis, with approximately 5 million children left without homes due to ongoing violence. Many children flee their residences with only the garments on their bodies, while their mothers frequently traverse long distances, sometimes up to 20 days, to reach camps in search of safety, nourishment, and essential shelter.
“As the conflict continues, families and communities caught in the crossfire, especially in hard-to-reach areas, are suffering immensely,” he remarked. “The scarcity of adequate food and basic services in these inaccessible regions of Sudan is likely to increase, elevating the risk of poverty and death.”
Dujarric mentioned that UNICEF, in collaboration with humanitarian organizations, is striving to provide safe drinking water and comprehensive health and nutrition services, which encompass immunizations and treatments for childhood diseases, and efforts to address acute childhood malnutrition.
He also reminded the press that famine conditions are evident in Zamzam, Al Salam, and Abu Shouk camps for internally displaced individuals, as well as in the western Nuba Mountains.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Committee has indicated that famine could extend to five more regions within Sudan, including El Fasher, by mid-year, with 17 other areas at risk unless immediate intervention occurs.
“Immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access is crucial for us and our partners to provide humanitarian assistance,” Dujarric stated. “We persist in urging governments to prioritize funding, guarantee safe relief routes, and compel all parties involved to cease hostilities.”
