Nearly two months of heavy rains and flooding experienced across Sudan has killed at least 100 people, displaced thousands, including vulnerable children and left a trail of devastation. The Government estimated that more than 650,000 people have been affected, leading it to declare a 90-day state of emergency. World Vision launched a US$ 1.5 million humanitarian response appeal to adequately provide assistance to an estimated 50,000 people in dire need of emergency assistance, in all of its four operational areas.
Somai Adam, 28 years old, a mother of four children first came to learn of the community learning sessions at a World Vision-run nutrition centre in Mershing, South Darfur state, where she had brought her child –now three years old, then just a little over six months old– for treatment. According to the community volunteers who referred her to the facility, her child was underweight for her age.
Following the country's first positive COVID-19 case in March, Sudan’s authorities imposed a raft of precautionary restrictions, including closure of all learning institutions, in an effort to contain the spread of the highly infectious virus. In May of 2020, UNESCO, estimated that at least 8 million leaners in Sudan, were impacted by continued school closures.
World Vision is actively represented in two of Sudan's eight COVID-19 response pillars outlined in the country's preparedness and response plan, which are namely Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC). Martin Mutisya, our WASH Programme Manager based in the capital Khartoum, has been participating in response activities since mid-March. On our latest blog, he shares reflections from the ground, noting that the biggest challenge is not so much a lack of knowledge, but changing attitudes and behaviours.
As of 13 April 2020, Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed 29 cases of COVID-19 in the country and four fatalities. A further spread or a large scale outbreak of the virus, would devastate millions and increase their vulnerabilities, as well as overwhelm the Sudan healthcare system. World Vision is prioritising preventative measures, in supporting the Government's efforts to stop and slow the spread of COVID-19, and safeguard the population from its threat.
Delivering relief assistance communities affected by disasters
As a child-focused organisation, our goal is to see children reach their full potential. We don’t just want children to survive, we want them to thrive! We began working in Sudan in 1983, our programmes were initially operational until 1988. In June 2004, we resumed operations, in response to the Darfur Crisis.
Today, our teams of dedicated development and humanitarian professionals work tirelessly to contribute to the improved well-being of boys and girls through multi-sectoral and community-based programmes across four states: South Darfur, Blue Nile, East Darfur and South Kordofan. Our headquarters are in Khartoum.
We remain committed to our vision of life in all its fullness for all children. By 2020, we hope to have positively affected 2.5 million boys and girls in Sudan.
World Vision operations are funded by private donors, public institutions, government agencies and the United Nations.
Each time our teams establish a new water system or supports the rehabilitation of a broken one, more children and adults have access to clean and safe water. We are also extending clean water access to schools and health facilities.
In 2017, at least 6,000 people in Um Labassa community, South Darfur, collected water for the first time from an improved water source after World Vision helped the community install a solar-powered water structure.
Lack of reliable livelihood or income hinder vulnerable families. We are working to empower the most vulnerable families through initiatives such as Savings Groups, designed to provide access to financial services.
In 2015, Munira took out a loan of 1,500 Sudanese Pounds (equivalent of US$150) to buy two goats. By 2017, her herd had multiplied to 13. Today, Munira sells her goats to meet the needs of her children, like Mohamed (pictured).
World Vision contributes to increasing access to education for the most vulnerable children through promoting school enrollment, increasing the amount of engagement of parents, guardians, communities and volunteers in children’s education, improving learning environments for children as well, as providing learning and teaching materials. These education opportunities are made available in both formal and informal settings.
