UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Angola concerned over "alarming humanitarian conditions" in Luau

LUANDA, 31 August: - The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Angola today expressed concern over what the UN described as the "alarming humanitarian conditions" in the municipality of Luau, situated in the north east of the province of Moxico, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms Zoraida Mesa, said the United Nations shared the concern of the Government of the Republic of Angola over "the dramatic increase in mortality and morbidity rates" in Luau and "the need to urgently intervene with life-saving assistance".

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator added that she was "disappointed that the volatile security situation limits, at present, the ability of the United Nations to intervene".

The security situation around Luau has prevented humanitarian assistance reaching the 9,000 inhabitants of the town. Reports from those who have recently passed through Luau relate a disturbing death toll, mainly due to malnutrition and particularly among children. Children are dying at the rate of seven to eight each day and three to four adults are dying each day. Recent visitors to Luau report that medicine, food and other supplies are urgently needed to halt the tragedy. The population is reportedly increasing daily with IDPs from the neighbouring province of Lunda Sul and returnees from the DRC. Many are arriving in a distressed and malnourished condition.

The Humanitarian Coordinator said: "As the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, I wish to convey our serious distress at the humanitarian crisis and to confirm that we will support the Government=B4s efforts in all possible ways within the constraints imposed by current security conditions".

For further information, please contact:

Information Unit, OCHA Angola
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+244 2 444 321

NA=C7=D5ES UNIDAS
ESCRITÓRIO PARA A COORDENA=C7=C3O D0S ASSUNTOS HUMANITÁRIOS ( OCHA )

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