AFRICA/SUDAN - The situation in Darfur shows no sign of improvment: no food supplies since the end of May

Rome (Fides Service) - A nutrition survey in May and June in 4 refugee camps in Darfur revealed serious situation of under-nourishment varying between 4.1 and 5.5 %.
Although world politics and media are showing more interest for this region of Africa Medicines Sans Frontieres (MSF), say there is no improvement, Children under five are especially vulnerable. The death rate is well over the emergency line.
Although there is more access to the region no one is receiving the assistance to which civilians in a conflict have a right and there are zones where there situation is critical and many people are in danger of death. In a large camp near El Genuina, for example, only 3.5 % of the refugees, according to MSF, has a UN card, which enables them to receive UN food aid. There have been no food aid supplies since the end of May. MSF is presently caring for about 8,000 children in various parts of Darfur. (AP) (30/7/2004 Agenzia Fides; Righe:17; Parole:195)