In an interview with UN News, UNICEF representative in Sudan, Mandeep O'Brien, stated that the war in Sudan is a "living nightmare for children."
According to O'Brien the conflict has displaced more than 3.5 million girls and boys.
Further, nearly 2 million are in urgent need of lifesaving vaccines. And over 7.4 million do not have access to safe drinking water.
The UN article also notes that Sudan has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the world. There are approximately 3 million children under the age of five who suffer from acute malnutrition. Without urgent medical treatment, an estimated 700,000 could die from hunger.
O'Brien highlights that education for children is also at risk in Sudan. Currently, 19 million school-age children are not attending school.
The UNICEF representative emphasizes that education helps to foster peace, she states "when children are in classrooms, they feel safe, protected, and they can peacefully co-exist."
According to O'Brien, UNICEF is committed to staying and delivering on the ground alongside partners. In 2023 UNICEF was able to provide urgently needed health supplies to 6.4 million children and families.
O'Brien appealed for increased funding and for "all international and regional efforts to be joined up so that Sudan can find a political solution."
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