Children Are in the Greatest Danger

Child Survival Bleak in Southern Sudan

A recent report from UNICEF officials* in Southern Sudan indicates that the container of medicines we are currently shipping could not come at a better time. On December 15th, UNICEF reported that "child survival in Southern Sudan is one of the lowest in the world, with one out of every seven children dying before reaching their fifth birthday".
The report continued "Hunger, malnutrition and malaria are some of the biggest child killers, and "there is an urgent need to scale up relief and development assistance to help the region cope with the challenges it faces."


The report went on to say that

the risk for children begins in the womb, because the maternal mortality rates in Southern Sudan are the highest in the world - with more than 2,000 women for every 100,000 children born dying during pregnancy or following child birth. It also means that the mothers' mortality has an effect on the survival of the new born baby because access to health services which protect a child in the very first months of life is so limited.

UNICEF says it is stocking up relief supplies in Southern Sudan to provide assistance to children, women and displaced persons should the outcome of the referendum to be held in January 2011 lead to a resumption of conflict. We know that whether or not conflict resumes, the medical need is already great, and the return of displaced South Sudanese as well as the potential for conflict is only increasing that burden. Our partners on the ground have determined that the greatest need for this medicine is in Nimule, Sudan, almost 900 miles over land from the port at which our shipment will arrive.
Please "Join Hands with the New Sudan", by donating to the transportation costs so that the container of medicine can reach these most vulnerable children and their mothers. Even a donation as small as $10 can move the container a whole mile. We can make a difference in the lives of these Sudanese brothers and sisters.

In the Grip of God's Love,

Robert Kirkman

*The opinions reflected in the above are mine, and do not necessarily reflect those of UNICEF.