United Nations: Humanitarian situation in Al Jazeera State remains catastrophic

Moatinoon
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Al Jazeera State, which is one of 17 areas in the Sudan threatened by famine, in accordance with the Integrated Classification of Food Security Phases.

At yesterdays daily press conference, the Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, reported that the World Food Programme (WFP) had today been able to deliver its first aid shipment -- in more than a year -- to the city of Wade Madani, the capital of the island state. 11 truck, loaded with 260 tons of food and food supplies, arrived, enough for more than 20,000 people.

He also noted that humanitarian partners planned to conduct a needs assessment in the city, where the population suffered from severe shortages of food, water and health services, as well as severe malnutrition. Farhan Haq stressed that immediate access to clean water was crucial, as most of the citys water plants were not functioning, forcing residents to rely on unsafe water sources, thereby increasing health risks.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed the need for more resources to respond to the crisis, the importance of protecting civilians against reports of shootings, restricted population movements and gender-based violence in the region.