UN reports one in two children in North Darfur are malnourished

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UNICEF Reports High Levels of Child Malnutrition in North Darfur

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a warning regarding the high levels of child malnutrition in the war-torn region of North Darfur. According to UNICEF, 53% of children screened in the Um Baru locality were found to be acutely malnourished, with one in six suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

The warning comes as fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues in the region. The conflict, which began in 2023, has resulted in significant displacement and famine in several areas of Sudan. UNICEF stated that many children in the Um Baru area recently arrived from el-Fasher following the escalation of fighting in the city.

The RSF, which has seized control of el-Fasher, is now pushing east into the Kordofan region. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 12 million people. UN officials have reported that intensified fighting has worsened the humanitarian crisis.

A recent visit by a UN humanitarian team to the RSF-controlled city of el-Fasher found it largely deserted, with few people seen in empty buildings or rudimentary camps. The UN remains concerned about injured individuals and those who may be detained.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the need for immediate access to children and families trapped by the conflict. “Children are fighting for their lives,” she stated. “Every day without safe and unhindered access increases the risk of children growing weaker and more vulnerable to preventable causes of death.”

The situation in Sudan remains dire, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for an immediate ceasefire and Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris presenting a peace plan that was rejected by the RSF.

Source: Al Jazeera