Synopsis
The famine crisis in Sudan's Zamzam camp is worsening, with families forced to eat animal feed. UN humanitarian agencies express urgent need for assistance as essential supplies run out and violence escalates.Key Takeaways
- Famine conditions in Zamzam camp have forced families to consume animal feed.
- Approximately 500,000 displaced people are currently residing in the camp.
- There are significant shortages of food and medical supplies.
- Over 70% of community kitchens have closed due to lack of funds.
- The UN calls for immediate action to alleviate the situation.
United Nations, March 14 (NationPress) Families suffering from famine in western Sudan are resorting to consuming animal feed, according to UN humanitarian reports.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in the Zamzam camp located near El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
"The camp, where famine was confirmed last year, is currently sheltering approximately 500,000 displaced individuals," OCHA stated. "Partners at Save the Children have alerted that extreme food shortages have compelled families to eat animal feed to survive."
Save the Children highlighted that vital medical supplies and therapeutic foods have depleted, resulting in escalating malnutrition levels. The medical resources in the camp's mobile clinics are also dwindling.
Residents of Zamzam have been enduring famine conditions for seven months, with the collapse of essential services making survival increasingly challenging, OCHA reported. Recent heavy shelling and rising violence have placed families at greater risk, making humanitarian access nearly impossible, as reported by Xinhua.
OCHA reiterated the need for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities to allow civilians access to crucial assistance.
The office noted that health officials in El Fasher indicated that a ceasefire would enable humanitarians to address the region's escalating health crisis. However, funding shortages are leading to the closure of community kitchens, which serve as a lifeline for millions across Sudan.
Mutual aid organizations providing food, health care, and other essential support reported that over 70% of the 1,400 community kitchens in Sudan have suspended operations due to lack of financial resources, especially in famine-affected areas.
"Without these kitchens, hundreds of thousands face a heightened risk of severe hunger," OCHA warned. "The estimated budget needed to maintain these kitchens and other critical community-level services is $12 million monthly."
Humanitarian workers have urged the international community to take swift action to prevent further disruptions and alleviate the intensifying food crisis in Sudan.
Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), addressed the Security Council on Thursday, stating that children are suffering the most due to the conflict in Sudan.
She highlighted that nearly two-thirds of Sudan's population, exceeding 30 million, will need humanitarian assistance this year, with 16 million of those being children.
Famine is present in at least five regions in Sudan, affecting around 1.3 million children under the age of five.
Russell mentioned that the agency requires $1 billion to provide support to 8.7 million of the most vulnerable children in the country.
