Famine Conditions Spread to More Towns in Sudans Darfur Region

UN-Backed Experts Warn of Famine Thresholds Exceeded in Darfur’s Um Baru and Kernoi

A recent alert issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has confirmed that acute malnutrition thresholds for famine have been surpassed in two areas of western Sudan’s Darfur region. The IPC, a United Nations-backed organization, reported that nearly 53% of children under five in Um Baru are affected by acute malnutrition, exceeding the established famine threshold. Similarly, approximately 33% of children in Kernoi are experiencing acute malnutrition.

The IPC alert highlights alarming levels of hunger in these areas, which have been affected by a civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people, with many fleeing to Um Baru and Kernoi near the border with Chad.

According to the IPC, 20 additional areas in Darfur and neighboring Kordofan are at risk of famine. The alert is based on data available up to February and comes nearly three months after the IPC confirmed famine conditions in other parts of the region. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, with multiple regions experiencing famine and hunger.

The IPC’s report notes that the rates of acute malnutrition in Um Baru and Kernoi suggest an increased risk of excess mortality, raising concerns about the potential for catastrophic conditions in nearby areas.

Source: Al Jazeera