You can help save children's lives in Darfur, Sudan
The situation in Darfur is critical following renewed fighting among different rebel groups and the government. An estimated 100,000 Darfuris have been displaced by fighting this year, bringing the total displaced population to 2.7 million.
More than 300,000 people have died in Darfur since the start of the crisis in 2003. Nearly 700,000 needy children in Darfur have grown up knowing nothing but conflict, displacement and need.
UNICEF: "Provider of last resort" in Darfur
UNICEF has maintained a significant humanitarian operation in Darfur since the crisis began in 2003. Over the years, UNICEF has helped scores of children and families with lifesaving supplies and initiatives.
For the past year, UNICEF has had to scale up its work to fill the gaps in humanitarian aid left by the forced expulsion of aid groups by the Sudanese government in March 2009.
The loss of crucial partners—a full 40 percent reduction in the humanitarian workforce—has made funding UNICEF’s relief efforts all the more necessary.
In the nine months that followed the ouster, 43 percent of all children in Darfur who were treated for severe acute malnutrition received support directly as a result of UNICEF’s efforts as the "provider of last resort" under an agreement with the government.
Improvements in food aid allow focus on other needs
Thanks to diligent aid distribution, food security and consumption have improved in some regions, particularly in South Darfur. But UNICEF remains concerned about the supply of clean drinking water. Poor rainfall in 2009 has caused severe ground water depletion and several hundred shallow wells to run dry.
The escalation in violence and subsequent displacement of more vulnerable families and children is also of great concern. UNICEF continues to focus on all aspects of survival for children throughout Darfur and Sudan with campaigns like the upcoming Child Health Days, which will deliver polio vaccines, deworming tablets, and vitamin A supplements to approximately 6 million children across 15 districts of Northern Sudan.
Please consider supporting UNICEF's humanitarian efforts in Sudan, as we work to fill the gaps left by the ouster of our valuable partners in Darfur.
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Threats to humanitarian relief programs On March 4, 2009 the government of Sudan revoked the licenses of 16 humanitarian organizations, suspending their activities in the country. None of the organizations have returned to Darfur, though a few have limited licenses to operate. |
