Darfur

UNICEF Darfur Nutrition Summary (May-June 2007) has reported (here):

Six localised nutrition surveys were conducted during the reporting period, two in North Darfur, three in South Darfur and one in West Darfur. Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates exceeded the emergency threshold of 15 per cent in all six. Rates of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) ranged from 1.4 per cent to 2.8 per cent. In three of the surveys (North and West), GAM rates are higher than those found during the same period in 2006. In the three surveys in South Darfur there was no comparable information from the same period in 2006. While an increase in GAM rates is in line with seasonal trends, the underlying causes are being investigated at state level in order to identify responses. Mortality rates in two surveys (Otash Camp and Kass in South Darfur) were above alert levels for both under-5 and crude mortality. The primary identified causes of death were reported as diarrhoea (watery
and bloody), and ARI. This indicates that concerted action is required to strengthen efforts in prevention and control of diarrhoea. The rate of GAM for children 6-29 versus 30-59 months continues to be elevated, indicating that
sustained efforts are required to address sub optimal infant and young chid care practices.

UNICEF also reported that as of June 2006 it had a total of just over $2.81 million in donor resources against the Darfur target of $89 million. That picture has not changed in 2007. Thus, its projects are funded only by 3 percent...