Urgent Situation in Darfur: ACF Mobilizes in Nyala
After setting up centers in El Fashir and Kebkabiya (North Darfur), ACF opened its third base with new programs in Nyala, South Darfur
Senior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796
August 25, 2004
One week from the end of the 30-day deadline imposed by the United Nations Security Council, and with African-Union sponsored peace talks underway between rebels and the government, the humanitarian situation for the Darfur population continues to be of great concern.
The rainy season has worsened the situation in terms of hygiene for already-destitute populations who have been displaced many times. In addition, the heavy rains have hampered the international aid effort.
After setting up centers in El Fashir and Kebkabiya (North Darfur), Action Against Hunger has opened its third base with new programs in Nyala, in South Darfur.
Nyala, initially a town of some 600,000 inhabitants, has seen tens of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) arrive over the past several months to flee the fighting. Aside from the camps on the outskirts of the city, many of these IDPs are staying in improvised shelters scattered throughout the city.
Last week, Action Against Hunger's teams opened a Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC) in southern Nyala open 24 hours a day and able to treat 200 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Many children have already been admitted, most of whom are under the age of three -- a major concern for our teams.
In addition, 12 supplementary centers have been opened in different parts of Nyala, within already-existing health centers. Distributing food rations to children suffering from moderate malnutrition can help prevent a worsening of the nutritional situation and enable follow-up of those who have left the therapeutic center.
At the same time, a team of 24 home visitors is making its way through the city to locate and reference cases of malnutrition, and inform the most destitute populations of ACF's nutritional programs.
Action Against Hunger in Darfur
- El Fashir: one Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC) and one Supplemental Feeding Center (SFC) for 1,500 people in Abu-Shouk camp.
- Kebkabiya: one SFC where 1,000 children receive food rations, and one TFC for children and the elderly suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
- Nyala: one TFC and 12 supplementary centers.
- In addition, ACF is watching out for the population in the Sudanese fighting zones, including Bentiu, Juba and Lafon (government-controlled enclaves in southern Sudan) and Port Sudan (northeast Sudan), where malnutrition is also rife.
ACF is still urgently seeking nurse-nutritionists for our Darfur, Sudan programs.
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger / Action Contre la Faim (ACF), an international relief and development organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, provides sustainable access to safe water and long-term solutions to hunger. For nearly three decades, ACF has pursued its vision of a world without hunger by combating hunger in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster, and chronic food insecurity.Press Contact
Action Against Hunger - USA
James L. PhelanSenior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796














