South Sudan: UN relief wing warns of 80 per cent increase in food insecurity
New York, Nov 11 (Just Earth News/IBNS): South Sudan remains engulfed in a spiral of violence with clashes in southern and central Unity state having intensified with grave consequences for civilians leaving at-risk populations food insecure and vulnerable to diseases, the United Nations humanitarian wing has warned, announcing that relief organizations on the ground are boosting efforts there despite access challenges and lagging funding.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners have managed to reach some towns in central Unity state and Western Equatoria state, and are assisting internally displaced people (IDPs) with health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), according to the latest bi-weekly humanitarian update issued by OCHA.
Thanks to OCHA and its partners’ timely response to cholera, together with a $2.6 million contribution from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the outbreak is now under control. However, the report also cautioned that the rainy season is ongoing.
At the same time, the report warns that Malaria, another water-borne disease, is the primary cause for morbidity and mortality in the country and is continuing to spread, with cases doubling and even quadrupling compared with the same period in 2014.
The UN, together with partners and the South Sudanese Government, is assisting a multi-sectorial malaria task force and scaling up distribution of mosquito nets and information dissemination on malaria prevention.
However, an additional $4 million is urgently needed to ensure the availability of malaria drugs and diagnostic tests, as well as social mobilization and logistical coordination.
The report goes on to note that the humanitarian response has been hampered recently by intensified clashes, posing risks to aid workers’ lives. Civilians have also suffered the grave consequences of killings, sexual violence and forced displacement.
“It is inspiring to witness the efforts our colleagues are making on the front line,” John Ging, Head of Operations for (OCHA), said at the conclusion of his recent visit to the country, stressing that “the international community must continue to support these efforts, and stand in solidarity with those who have been the victims of conflict for far too long.”
Photo: OCHA/Guiomar Pau Sole.
Top Headlines
-
News
India, China have completed disengagement: Reports
October 31, 2024
-
News
Uzbekistan parties supporting President Mirziyoyev win parliamentary elections as country undergoes reforms
October 29, 2024
-
News
Sanction Indian diplomats, ban RSS: anti-India Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh goes ballistic
October 16, 2024
-
News
Hezbollah drone attack on military base kills four Israeli soldiers
October 14, 2024
-
News
Trudeau govt's vote bank politics: India toughens stand against Canada after latest tirade over Nijjar killing
October 14, 2024
-
News
Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which claimed responsibility for Baba Siddique's murder, sends Salman Khan a message
October 14, 2024
-
News
RG Kar: Bengal junior doctors to hold protest march to Raj Bhavan on 10th day of hunger strike today
October 14, 2024
-
News
Tamil Nadu derailment: 19 injured in Darbhanga Bagmati Express collision with goods train, 13 coaches jump track
October 12, 2024
-
News
Distasteful and disgraceful: Amit Shah on Mallikarjun Kharge's 'won't die till Modi is removed from power' remark
September 30, 2024
-
News
Keep Gods away from politics: Supreme Court slams Andhra govt over Tirupati laddoo row
September 30, 2024