Khartoum: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a warning that millions of Sudanese refugees fleeing to neighboring countries are at risk of increased hunger and malnutrition due to significant funding shortages that are forcing major reductions in critical food assistance.
According to Emirates News Agency, WFP has rapidly mobilized to provide emergency aid to refugees in seven neighboring countries, including the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda. The assistance includes food and cash, hot meals, and nutrition support. Additionally, the agency has extended its support to host communities that have generously welcomed the refugees, despite facing their own food insecurity challenges.
"This is a full-blown regional crisis that's playing out in countries that already have extreme levels of food insecurity and high levels of conflict," stated Shaun Hughes, WFP's Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis. He emphasized that millions of people who have fled Sudan are entirely dependent on WFP's support. Without additional funding, the agency will be compelled to make further cuts to food assistance, putting vulnerable families, especially children, at increasing risk of severe hunger and malnutrition.
WFP is calling on the international community to rally additional resources to continue food and nutrition aid for Sudanese refugees and the host communities assisting them. The agency requires just over US$200 million to maintain its emergency response for Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries for the next six months. Moreover, an additional $575 million is needed for life-saving operations for the most vulnerable populations within Sudan.