Sudan

	The Sudanese Red Crescent and the Sudanese Ministry of Health counterparts in a Kassala clinic
	South Sudan - community participation is a key aspect of the Sudanese Red Crescent programs
	Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers in Sudan
	A family's drinking water, Telkuk Municipality

The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire. Millions of people have suffered the devastating consequences of almost relentless conflict that has waged for decades and continues to wage in various parts of the country. In addition to the country’s struggle to build peace, the region is continually fraught with natural disasters including severe flooding and drought. Lack of access to health care and food has left many Sudanese facing preventable disease, chronic malnutrition and high infant mortality rates. Given the immense needs and as the only national organisation in Sudan, the work of the Sudanese Red Crescent is vitally important.

The Canadian Red Cross has been working in Sudan since 2004 in the areas of health, water and sanitation, disaster preparedness, livelihoods and capacity building.

The Republic of South Sudan – Birth of a Nation

July 9, 2011 was an important day in the history of South Sudan when they officially became an independent country following a vote for secession in January of the same year. South Sudan is the 55^th country in Africa and the 196^th country in the world. While there is hope for the future there are many challenges to be faced. Infrastructure is limited, as is access to basic services, including healthcare. The country also has some of the lowest literacy rates in the world. The Red Cross movement is working to support the new South Sudan Red Cross in order to meet the needs of communities throughout the ten states.

Canadian Red Cross

Current Canadian Red Cross support to Sudan and South Sudan:

• Livelihoods: Canadian Red Cross livelihoods and food security programming is expected to reach an estimated 40,000 beneficiaries.
• Community Health: Over 1,500 community health volunteers and 8,000 community members will be trained as part of Canadian Red Cross health programming.
• WAT/SAN: 30,000 beneficiaries will be reached through water and sanitation initiatives including the construction of wells and latrines, and hygiene promotion initiatives.
• Disaster Response: This past year the Canadian Red Cross has contributed over $230,000 in support of emergency response operations in both Sudan and South Sudan.

Your support helps improve the lives of vulnerable people in both Sudan and the newly independent Republic of South Sudan.

Posted October 24, 2008 / Updated:  July 20, 2011