Hunger crisis in Africa

The situation in Southern Sudan remains serious: The fighting between hostile groups continues, forcing 1.9 million people to flee within the country. Nearly seven million people do not have enough to eat. That is more than 60 percent of the population. Since the beginning of the year, measles has also broken out in various parts of the country.

Johanniter, the alliance organisation of Aktion Deutschland Hilft, wants to alleviate people's suffering. With eight international organisations and the Ministry of Health, the relief organisation is taking part in a vaccination campaign. The rate of routine vaccinations is low in Southern Sudan. This is why many people are susceptible to infectious diseases - especially in areas where there is food shortage. If the immune system is already weakened, for example due to lack of nutrition, measles can be life-threatening. Children and people in refugee camps are particularly at risk as diseases spread rapidly in confined spaces.

In a nearby refugee camp and surrounding communities, more than 23,000 children between six months and five years have received measles vaccination. It is a first and crucial step to contain the epidemic and prevent its spreading. Our member organisation „Johanniter“ also take care of those who have already contracted the disease. The highly infectious patients are cared for in isolation wards around the clock. The National Ministry of Health and other partners have supported the relief organisation in equipping the isolation ward. In addition, Southern Sudanese staff are educating people about measles and are looking for further cases of disease in the surrounding communities. In this way, they ensure that infected people find their way into the facility.

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