Sudan Malnutrition Crisis: 53% of Children Acutely Malnourished

A recent UNICEF nutrition survey in Um Baru locality, North Darfur, Sudan, has revealed alarming rates of malnutrition among children under five. The assessment, conducted between 19 and 23 December and covering nearly 500 children, found that more than half were acutely malnourished. Specifically, 18 % suffered from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and 35 % from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). These figures are among the highest recorded worldwide and exceed the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15 % by more than threefold.

The crisis in Um Baru has been intensified by a recent influx of internally displaced families who fled fighting in Al Fasher in late October. Many of the children have not been immunised against measles or other vaccine‑preventable diseases, leaving them especially vulnerable. The survey also showed that one in three children had been ill in the two weeks preceding the assessment, mainly with fever, cough or diarrhoea, indicating severely limited access to health services. Measles vaccination coverage was only 24 % and Vitamin A coverage 11 %.

Escalating insecurity has further complicated the situation by restricting humanitarian access and delaying life‑saving assistance. Although UNICEF has prepositioned supplies such as Ready‑to‑Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), comprehensive health and nutrition services are urgently needed. The organization is calling for immediate, safe and unhindered humanitarian access so that aid can reach children and families trapped by the conflict.

North Darfur remains at the epicentre 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 urged to intensify diplomatic and political pressure to secure a respected humanitarian pause, enabling aid workers to safely deliver food, clean water, medical care and protection services. The situation in Um Baru underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response to address Sudan’s humanitarian emergency and prevent further suffering and loss of life.