UN Warning of an Upcoming Humanitarian Catastrophe in Sudan

UN humanitarian workers warned today, Thursday, of rising malnutrition rates in Sudan, alerting to the possibility of the deaths of around 220,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition and over 7,000 new mothers in the coming months if urgent assistance is not provided, according to the latest statistics from nutrition partners. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted in today's press briefing concerning reports that are alarming regarding child deaths caused by malnutrition, including in displacement sites in Darfur. Dujarric reiterated the Secretary-General's call to silence the guns during Ramadan, warning that the country is on track to become the largest hunger crisis in the world, with around 18 million people facing acute food insecurity, a number that is feared to rise with the onset of the lean season in the coming months, according to Dujarric. He explained that the humanitarian response plan for this year seeks to raise 2.7 billion dollars but has only received 5 percent of the total requested amount so far, stating, "We only have 130 million dollars." The UN spokesperson emphasized the need for additional resources for the UN to scale up its response in Sudan, adding, "We also need rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for people in need across the country, including those trapped in conflict areas." Approximately 3.7 million children across Sudan are suffering from malnutrition, with many unable to access treatment, especially those living in hard-to-reach areas.