The Islamist government of Sudan uses food and medicine as more potent weapons than bombs and bullets.
A recent humanitarian update from the Southern Kordofan/Blue Nile Coordination Unit reported that there are severe food shortages in the war-torn Nuba mountains. The heavily Christian counties of Buram, Heiban, and Umdorein are especially affected.
The Nuba have been under a government-imposed complete blockade since June, 2011.
The humanitarian update reveals that the accumulated effects of such a blockade, combined with poor harvests, have contributed heavily to depleted food stocks and poorer public health.
The lack of access to medicine is not just a problem for humans. Infectious disease is spreading among the livestock as well.
Animals like cows, goats, sheep, and chickens are vital to the food security of the region. But according to the report, sheep pox is spreading, as well as New Castleman disease in poultry, and Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CCBP) disease is wreaking havoc among cattle herds in several Nuba communities. Such diseases can normally be controlled by a vaccine or treated by medication. Despite the reported “cease fire,” security remains a problem for the Nuba. Government-backed militia raids have destroyed 357 square miles of prime grazing territory in the remote area of Western Gebel, further contributing to the humanitarian crisis.
PPF is responding in many ways through your active compassion.
Our Safe Water Well Repair team continues to provide clean water to hundreds of communities. Our Relief and Shelter team continues to bring in tons of relief supplies, such as shelter tarps, mosquito nets, clothing, and compact emergency food. Our medical team continues to deliver tons of medicine to more than 180 primary health care clinics. And our Evangelism teams continue to distribute the Good News of Christ in written and digital form to those needing the encouragement and assurance of Christ’s love for the lost and suffering.
