Today's top news: Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Sudan

The UN and our partners are working to expand humanitarian operations. This includes efforts to move supplies into and around the country, as we respond to rapidly growing needs.

In Blue Nile State, where more than 20,000 people have been displaced by the conflict, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and its partners are supporting health and nutrition programmes, including immunizations, screening and treatment for malnutrition, as well as pregnancy care and reproductive health services.

Since the conflict began, UNICEF has secured fuel to save millions of doses of vaccines and vital medications that are currently in the cold chain, including insulin for children. The agency has also provided water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to the State Ministry of Health in Khartoum to support six hospitals.

In North Darfur, our humanitarian partners are supporting health facilities with medicine, water and other items. Twenty health care facilities have received water, sanitation and hygiene support, with at least 100,000 litres of water trucked in.

On 5 May, 30 tons of medical supplies were delivered to Port Sudan by the World Health Organization (WHO), together with the United Arab Emirates. The shipment contained enough trauma, essential medicine and emergency surgical items to reach 165,000 people via 13 major health facilities. Worth roughly US$444,000, it’s WHO’s first air delivery to Sudan since the conflict erupted.

Meanwhile, customs clearance has been completed for 80 tons of medical supplies that were offloaded in Port Sudan last week. This includes IV fluids and supplies for the treatment of traumatic injuries and severe acute malnutrition.

With more humanitarian shipments expected to arrive in Sudan in the coming days and weeks, we call for customs clearance to be expedited to ensure that life-saving assistance can reach people in need as quickly as possible.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Landslides and flooding have killed hundreds and affected thousands of people in South Kivu, in the east of the country.

Following heavy rains on 2 May and 4 May, several rivers burst their banks, resulting in landslides and flooding in villages across Kalehe territory affecting 15,000 people.

Our colleagues on the ground warn that the affected area is hosting thousands of displaced people from North Kivu and cholera is a large concern.

UN agencies and our partners have activated their emergency response teams and are supporting the Government response efforts. The World Food Programme has mobilized food aid and the UN Children Fund and partners have essential household items and capabilities to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks.

Humanitarian organizations are also supporting local medical centers where some 160 people received care while the Congolese Red Cross is supporting the recovery and burial of bodies.

The immediate needs include dignified and secure burials, medical care, food aid, and shelter.