March 5, 2009

Humanitarian agency World Vision is deeply worried that the forced departure of several large relief groups from Sudan will create gaps in critical humanitarian services to thousands of vulnerable children and adults, putting them at risk in the war-torn region of Darfur.  
 
World Vision's licence to operate in Sudan has not been affected at this point in time, and the agency plans to continue providing more than 500,000 people in South Darfur with life-saving food, water, sanitation, medical care and other humanitarian services.
     
World Vision will also continue running humanitarian, recovery and development programs in Khartoum State, Blue Nile State and Southern Sudan.  
 
World Vision currently provides monthly food rations to more than 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps for displaced people and conflict-affected areas of South Darfur. 
 
World Vision also runs supplemental feeding centers, primary health clinics, clean water and improved sanitation programs, temporary schools, Child-Friendly Spaces, and vocational training for women.  
 
World Vision is deeply concerned about the prospect of fewer humanitarian resources at a time when needs remain critical in war-ravaged Darfur and encourages donors to continue supporting aid programs for the region’s needy people.