A 44-truck convoy, delayed by conflict for six weeks, has finally begun delivering crucial humanitarian aid in Sudan. This African nation is grappling with both a deadly conflict and a cholera outbreak. The convoy, carrying supplies from the UN Refugee Agency, the World Food Programme, and UNICEF, is intended for Kordofan and Darfur.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported over 1,400 suspected cases of cholera and 64 related deaths since the outbreak was declared late last month. With Sudan’s healthcare system already stretched to its limits, and 70 percent of hospitals in conflict-affected states not functional, this aid is vital.
UNICEF and WHO have warned that without urgent action, over 10,000 children under the age of 5 in Sudan could die by the end of this year due to rising food insecurity and disruptions in health and nutrition services.