Riyadh Signs Agreements with WFP to Combat Malnutrition in Sudan and South Sudan
In a groundbreaking move, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has secured two agreements totaling US$1.4 million with Saudi Arabia to address the pressing issue of malnutrition in Sudan and South Sudan.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
With a focus on providing treatment and prevention measures for malnutrition, these agreements are set to benefit over 35,000 children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers who have been severely affected by conflict, economic instability, and climate-related disasters. Specifically, nearly 29,000 individuals in Sudan and close to 6,000 individuals in South Sudan will receive crucial support.
Urgency of the Situation
Michael Dunford, WFP’s Regional Director for the East Africa region, underscored the critical nature of this funding, particularly in light of the escalating crisis in Sudan, which is teetering on the edge of becoming one of the world’s most severe hunger emergencies. He emphasized the urgent need to address malnutrition to prevent unnecessary deaths and mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood malnutrition.
Formalization of Agreements
During a pledging conference for the Sudan crisis in Paris, WFP’s Executive Director, Cindy McCain, and Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Royal Court Advisor and Supervisor General of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), officially signed the agreements, solidifying their commitment to combatting malnutrition in the region.
Commitment to Support Vulnerable Populations
Dr. Abdullah Al Moallem, Director of KSRelief’s Health and Environmental Aid Department, reiterated their dedication to assisting vulnerable populations in Sudan and South Sudan. He emphasized the significance of these projects in providing emergency nutritional aid to children and pregnant or lactating women, ultimately playing a crucial role in the fight against famine and malnutrition in both countries.
Rising Malnutrition Rates
The severity of the situation is evident, with nearly 4.9 million children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women in Sudan facing acute malnutrition—a 22% increase from the previous year. Similarly, South Sudan is grappling with high malnutrition rates, expecting approximately 1.6 million children and 870,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women to be malnourished this year.