(VOVWORLD) - The United Nations on Friday warned that the humanitarian crisis triggered by the conflict in Sudan could worsen dramatically in the coming months, tipping some regions into famine.
 Children in Al-Eligat refugee camp in Sudan (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The emergency could also further spill into neighbouring African countries unless the fighting ends, UN agencies said.
World Health Organisation spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva that without a stop to the fighting and unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian aid, Sudan's crisis will dramatically worsen in the months to come and could impact the whole region in more refugees, the spread of disease, and food insecurity.
Fighting in Sudan broke out on April 15 last year between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has killed thousands and sparked a humanitarian disaster. More than 8.5 million people have fled their homes, with nearly 1.8 million escaping across the country's borders.
The WHO warned of a collapsing health system, with acute shortages of staff, medicines, vaccines, equipment and supplies.