Anglican Communion News Service

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing critical food supplies to the Western Equatoria region in southern Sudan devastated by drought and war. Throughout 2002, the area had minimal rainfall and the region's remoteness limited access to a water supply. Animals have contaminated well water causing water-born diseases and leaving people in danger of starvation.

"In all countries where there is no peace, the civil population suffers the most," says the Rt Revd Bullen A Dolli, Bishop of the Diocese of Lui. "The diocese's operational area is badly affected by lack of food, drought, and contaminated water."

Episcopal Relief and Development is supplying food including sorghum, beans, oil and salt to the southern Sudan region through a US$20,000 emergency grant to the Diocese of Lui. The funds will help the diocese work as part of the Joint Relief Committee to reach the poorest and most vulnerable people in the region.