The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned of the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Al-Gezira State, which is among 17 areas at risk of famine in Sudan, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, said that the World Food Programme was able today to reach Wad Madani (capital of Al-Gezira) with the first delivery of assistance in over a year. Eleven trucks arrived loaded with 260 tons of food and supplies sufficient for more than 20,000 people.The spokesman indicated that humanitarian partners are planning to conduct a needs assessment in the city, where residents are suffering from severe shortages of food, water and health services, in addition to severe malnutrition.Haq stressed that immediate access to clean water is of utmost importance, as most water stations in the city are not functioning, forcing residents to rely on unsafe water sources, which increases health risks.The OCHA stressed the need to provide more resources to respond to this crisis, and the importance of protecting civilians in light of reports of shootings, restrictions on the movement of people, and gender-based violence in the region.According to UN reports, the armed conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April 2023, which has led to the death of thousands of people and the displacement of over 10 million others, either through internal displacement or asylum abroad.
