A recent nutrition survey conducted by UNICEF in Um Baru locality, North Darfur, Sudan, has revealed alarming rates of malnutrition among children under five. The survey, which assessed nearly 500 children between December 19 and 23, found that more than 50% of children were acutely malnourished, with 18% suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and 35% from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). These rates are among the highest recorded globally and exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) emergency threshold of 15% by more than three times.
The crisis in Um Baru is exacerbated by the recent influx of internally displaced families who fled fighting in Al Fasher in late October. Many of these children have not been immunized against measles or other vaccine-preventable diseases, making them particularly vulnerable. The survey also found that one in three children had been ill in the two weeks prior, mainly with fever, cough, or diarrhea, indicating severely constrained access to health services. Measles vaccination coverage stood at 24%, and Vitamin A coverage at 11%.
The situation is further complicated by escalating insecurity, which has restricted humanitarian access and delayed life-saving assistance. UNICEF has prepositioned life-saving supplies, including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), but holistic health and nutrition services are urgently needed. The organization is calling for immediate, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that aid can reach children and families trapped by the conflict.
North Darfur remains at the epicenter of Sudan’s malnutrition crisis, with nearly 85,000 severely malnourished children admitted for treatment in the state by November this year alone. The international community is being urged to intensify diplomatic and political pressure to ensure a humanitarian pause is agreed to, respected, and implemented. This would enable aid workers to safely deliver food, clean water, medical care, and protection services to those in need. The situation in Um Baru highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and prevent further suffering and loss of life.
