Child malnutrition in Sudan has reached high levels, and only urgent interventions and an end to the war in the country can prevent child starvation and death.
Development Diaries reports that some agencies of the United Nations have issued a warning that all indications point to a significant deterioration of the nutrition situation for children and mothers in war-torn Sudan.
It is believed that children are trapped in a critical malnutrition crisis that has reached emergency levels.
In Central Darfur, acute malnutrition is estimated to be at 15.6 percent among children under five, while in ZamZam Camp it is close to 30 percent.
The situation has deteriorated over recent months, with no sign of abating due to continued conflict and severely hindered humanitarian access.
Also, malnutrition is particularly worrying among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
According to a joint statement by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organisation (WHO), the hostilities are driving the lack of access to nutritious food, safe drinking water and sanitation, and increased risk of disease.
‘Children in Sudan are experiencing horrific violence, displacement, and trauma – and now they are confronted with potential famine’ UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, said in a statement.
‘When children suffer from serious forms of malnutrition, it harms their physical and cognitive development and can leave life-long damage’.
The year-long war is also severely impacting the delivery of humanitarian supplies, leaving countless women and children without access to vital food and nutritional support.
Sudan is facing an ever-increasing risk of conflict-induced famine that will have catastrophic consequences, including the loss of life, especially among young children.
Development Diaries calls on all parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian access so children can receive food, water, medical care, and shelter. But most of all, children need peace.
We also urge the parties to swiftly find a resolution to the conflict, as it will be the most desired outcome to protect lives and valuable national infrastructures.
Photo Source: WFP
