UN agencies and partners distribute vital aid to Ugandan flood victims

United Nations agencies and their partners are providing food and health care to tens of thousands of people in Uganda, one of several African countries reeling from the aftermath of the worst flooding the Continent has seen in decades.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners have distributed more than 1,000 metric tons of food to nearly 82,000 Ugandans, with plans to provide food to an additional 25,000 people.

The agency has warned that a major crisis could develop in Uganda, where widespread flooding is worsening road access to key regions in the north and in some places air deliveries are WFP’s only option.

Last week the UN launched a $41 million flash appeal for Uganda, of which WFP needs $26.3 million to feed 300,000 flood victims, as well as provide for helicopters, boats and road and bridge repairs.

Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed emergency health kits to treat 11,000 people for three months, and is providing health care for 48,000 children for one month.

The agency is also providing measles and polio vaccines, as well as insecticide-treated nets and water purification tablets. In addition, it has cholera supplies standing by for up to 10,000 cases.