UNICEF airlifts urgent supplies to South Sudan

Responding to vital humanitarian needs in South Sudan, the first of two planes chartered by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) arrived in the capital, Juba, today, loaded with supplies for women and children across the crisis-stricken country. "These essential and life-saving supplies will help thousands of children and women in desperate need across South Sudan," said Dermot Carty, UNICEF Deputy Director of Emergency Programmes. Mr. Carty, usually based in Geneva, will be in South Sudan for a month, supporting UNICEF's work to assist communities affected by the current crisis, which has taken a heavy toll on civilians since it began in mid-December. Fighting between pro- and anti-Government forces have uprooted well over half a million people across the world's youngest nation, with some of them having sought refuge in neighbouring countries. Nearly 70,000 of those displaced within the country are sheltering at the bases of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Almost 80 per cent of those at the UN protection sites are women and children. The plane that arrived today brought treatments for malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malnutrition, as well as nutrients, vitamins, antibiotics and painkillers for children. The supplies also include midwifery and obstetric surgery kits, equipment that will help to deliver clean water and sanitation, and tents, tarpaulins and blankets. The next plane is expected to arrive on Thursday, bringing in more medical supplies and water and sanitation equipment. UNICEF said that over 200,000 have been reached with some form of assistance. However, in areas where fighting has been heavy, humanitarian assistance is sporadic as access is limited. "The biggest challenge at the moment is to be able to get access to those who are in need for security reasons," Mr. Carty stated. "To adapt to that, we are trying to be nimble and flexible. We are ready to jump through windows of opportunity when they appear." Source: WAM