After a year of devastating conflict in Sudan, the humanitarian crisis has reached catastrophic levels. The ongoing war between the government-led Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left millions of people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. However, political blockages created by the warring parties, as well as a lack of action from the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations, have severely limited the aid reaching those in desperate need.
In a plea for urgent action, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is calling on governments, officials, aid organizations, and donors to ramp up the humanitarian response in Sudan. With only 20 to 30 percent of health facilities still functional in the country, access to healthcare is extremely limited, putting the lives of millions at risk.
MSF teams on the ground have been treating men, women, and children injured by the violence, including gunshot wounds, shrapnel injuries, and blast injuries. The situation is dire, with more than 22,800 trauma cases treated and over 4,600 surgeries performed since the conflict began.
The United Nations reports that over eight million people have been displaced multiple times, with 25 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite the overwhelming need, the government of Sudan has obstructed access to humanitarian aid, making it difficult for organizations like MSF to deliver life-saving supplies to those in need.
In areas under RSF control, health facilities have been looted, and medical workers have been harassed and arrested. The situation is particularly dire in hard-to-reach areas like Darfur, where malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, and access to food and healthcare is scarce.
As the crisis worsens, MSF is calling on the warring parties to adhere to International Humanitarian Law and ensure safe access for humanitarian organizations. They are also urging the UN to take bold action and increase funding for the humanitarian response in Sudan.
The situation in Sudan is dire, and urgent action is needed to prevent further loss of life. It is crucial for the international community to come together and prioritize the needs of the millions of people suffering in Sudan.
