EU donation for Unicef to address malnutrition in Sudan

The EU's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (Echo) has donated an additional €1,335,000 to Unicef in support of its efforts to address the emergency levels of malnutrition in the most affected Sudanese regions.

More than two million children suffer from acute malnutrition in Sudan, of which 550,000 are severely acutely malnourished. This represents about one in every twelve children under the age of five. 

“Multiple conflicts and recurring displacements over the last two years have resulted in a sustained humanitarian crisis which has worsened the situation,” Echo states in a press release issued today.

“With already high infant mortality levels of 83 per 1000 live births, inaction to address malnutrition could be catastrophic”, said the Unicef Representative in Sudan, Geert Cappelaere.  

“Children’s needs and rights can only be fully met with an end to protracted conflicts, and investment in basic social services becomes the top priority. There is therefore an urgent need for a more concerted and holistic response by humanitarian and development partners in collaboration with government entities at federal and state level.

“Strengthening the health system to deliver an integrated package of health and nutrition interventions, provision of water, hygiene and sanitation services, as well as addressing issues around education and child protection will be crucial in preventing malnutrition among children under five,” Cappelaere stressed.

The EU's Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (Echo) has donated an additional €1,335,000 to Unicef in support of its efforts to address the emergency levels of malnutrition in the most affected Sudanese regions.

“With already high infant mortality levels of 83 per 1000 live births, inaction to address malnutrition could be catastrophic.”

Unicef and its partners are planning to reach some 250,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition by the end of 2015. Echo’s commitment to the children of Sudan will contribute to achieving this target.

Over the last year, Echo funding supported Unicef with an initial €2 million which enabled the UN children’s agency, and its partners to provide life-saving interventions to the most vulnerable Sudanese children. The “additional support of € 1,335,000 will further ensure a concerted multi-sectoral approach to address the malnutrition crisis,” Echo states in its press release.

Unicef and its partners are planning to reach some 250,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition by the end of 2015. Echo’s commitment to the children of Sudan will contribute to achieving this target.