africatodayonline.blogspot.com -
Towns in Upper Nile state of South Sudan are showing extremely high rates of malnutrition. The United Nations, in a report issued today, said an assessment in Ulang showed a global acute malnutrition rate of 45 percent. Malnutrition causes lasting physical and mental damage in small children.
Upper Nile state is one of the most "food insecure" areas of the country. Food shortages have occurred throughout South Sudan, following the December outbreak of fighting between the government and an opposition force. A severe hunger crisis has gripped South Sudan ever since.
While humanitarian aid has improved the situation in some parts of the country, around 1.5 million people are still severely food insecure. Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile are the states with the highest rates of hunger.
Rapid response teams, including UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), have been deployed to Ulang County in Upper Nile state. More are being planned because of the malnutrition findings.
UNICEF and WFP reached 11,600 people with aid in Wathjak in Ulang County. Supplies have to be brought in by foot from Ethiopia because there are no markets.
While famine in South Sudan has been avoided for the time being, the situation is described as fragile. The failure of the warring sides to achieve peace and the unpredictable threat of natural disasters can escalate hunger dramatically.
