World Vision concerned about prospect of aid gaps in Darfur

Khartoum, 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 license 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 programmes 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 programmes, 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 programmes for the region’s needy people.

END

For more information, please contact Rachel Wolff at 253.394.2214 or RWolff@worldvision.org.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org/press.