UN appeals for sharp increase in funding as Mali crisis deepens

"Twenty-nine metric tonnes of Plumpy'Sup (a food supplement for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition) have been sent to Gao to assist 3,500 children facing malnutrition – this assistance is being given through Action Against Hunger, one of the few aid agencies still operating in the town. AAH staff say about 100 children are in hospital in Gao, and around 21% of children are suffering from severe malnutrition.

AAH teams working in the region speak of the difficulties facing Gao, including the suspension of most services including health, education, electricity and water. Prices of rice and millet have doubled, with hardly any markets or shops open, and banks have closed."