As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to spiral, 3.7 million children under 5 are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year alone. They need lifesaving treatment now.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has displaced more than 11 million people, both internally and across borders, and pushed millions more into extreme vulnerability, particularly children.
Fourteen regions across Sudan are teetering on the brink of famine; in Zamzam camp in North Darfur, famine has already been confirmed. This year alone, 3.7 million children under age 5 are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition, and are in urgent need of lifesaving treatment.
Already weakened by hunger, these children, if they’re not reached soon, are 11 times more likely to die of preventable diseases than their healthier peers in Sudan. There is no time to waste.
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Access remains a challenge
But the reality on the ground remains fraught with logistical and administrative barriers. “In order to reach this population throughout the national territory, we need access, and we need presence,” said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director. “We need to be able to reach people in order to avoid catastrophic consequences. And this has to happen now.”
UN agencies responsible for aid delivery and the provision of technical assistance need permission from Government authorities to have a sustained presence in all affected communities. Current constraints hinder the UN’s ability to deliver lifesaving supplies and protection to the most vulnerable communities, and effectively monitor the delivery of aid to ensure that it reaches the intended recipients.
Without international support, the situation is likely to deteriorate
“Despite these immense challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the people of Sudan and all those impacted by the conflict,” Chaiban and UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou said in a joint statement issued Oct. 25, 2024.
“UNHCR, UNICEF and our partners are working tirelessly — in an inclusive manner — to provide critical services, from emergency shelter and water to education, health care and psychosocial support,” Chaiban and Mazou continued. “However, without sustained international backing including attention for a political way to address the conflict and the removal of bureaucratic and security obstacles, the situation will continue to worsen.”
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Video edited by Tong Su for UNICEF USA.