The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with civilians bearing the brunt of the devastation. A “perfect storm” of war, disease, and displacement has engulfed the country, according to UN humanitarians.
The war between rival militaries in Sudan has escalated, resulting in widespread displacement, hunger, and the spread of deadly diseases. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about the lack of access to basic necessities such as water, sanitation, and food for displaced people living in overcrowded areas.
The health system in Sudan is on the verge of collapse, with the breakdown of the childhood immunization program and the rampant spread of infectious diseases. Cholera, measles, dengue, and malaria cases have surged, further straining the already overburdened healthcare facilities.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that a significant number of health facilities operated by aid organizations are either not functioning or are only partially operational due to insecurity and a shortage of medical supplies and personnel.
The looming lean season, starting in May, raises concerns of catastrophic hunger, especially among children. Over 3.5 million children in Sudan are malnourished, with more than 700,000 facing severe acute malnourishment.
The war has forced over 7.8 million people from their homes within Sudan, and an additional 1.6 million have been compelled to flee across borders. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are spread across 6,600 locations within Sudan, highlighting the scale of the displacement crisis.
Despite the immense challenges, UN agencies and aid partners have intensified their response to the crisis. However, they face obstacles such as insecurity, looting, bureaucratic hurdles, and communication blackouts. Fuel shortages further hinder the movement of humanitarian staff and supplies, impacting vital services like water supply and medical storage.
The humanitarian efforts are also hampered by a severe lack of funding. The UN’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan, requiring $2.7 billion to assist 14.7 million people, remains massively underfunded, with only 3.5% of the required amount received as of February 12, 2024.
The conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan. Humanitarian partners are tirelessly providing life-saving assistance to the vulnerable population, despite the immense challenges they face.
The international community’s attention and support are crucial in addressing the multifaceted crisis in Sudan, as the country grapples with the devastating impact of war, disease, and displacement.
