Rome - (Fides Service) - The United Nations World Food Programme has warned that many poor people in various parts of Sudan may soon be without food because of two reasons, poor cereal harvest and rising prices of basic necessities. The total number of those in need of food aid could increase.
The rain season will start in May or June so there is little time to guarantee sufficient supplies of food and the means to distribute them: it is difficult to deal with an emergency situation on a vast scale without adequate financial means. More funds are urgently needed .
At the moment WFP has not enough food for the estimated 5.5 million people who will need food aid in 2005. These people live in the eastern zones, in transition zones, in the south and in Darfur. If the number continues to rise Sudan could face another tragedy unless more food is sent to the country immediately. (AP) (18/3/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:19; Parole:199)