Famine in Sudan: Millions of people's lives are in danger!

Famine in Sudan: Millions of people's lives are in danger!

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with no end in sight two years after fighting began between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese armed forces. Loud Doctors Without Borders Millions of people are directly or indirectly affected by the conflict. Currently, 60 percent of the 50 million inhabitants are dependent on humanitarian aid in the form of food and medicine, which further exacerbates the catastrophic situation.

The organization reports massive emergencies and a massive lack of humanitarian aid. Tragically, medical facilities and staff continue to be targeted. Médecins Sans Frontières calls on the warring parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers and to remove all obstacles to the transport of aid. Of particular concern is the fact that Sudan is the only place in the world where a famine has been officially declared, which began in August 2024 in the Samsam displaced persons camp.

Food insecurity and famine

Over 24.6 million people in Sudan suffer from acute food insecurity, as UNICEF reported. What is particularly alarming is that famine has been identified in additional regions, including Abu Shouk and Al Salam in North Darfur and the western Nuba Mountains. Five other areas could also face famine by May 2025. The hunger problem is compounded by numerous factors, including ongoing conflict and displacement.

The situation is further complicated by the current harvest season, when food availability should normally be high. But many fields could not be cultivated due to the conflict and some of the markets were destroyed. This has led to extremely high prices for staple foods. The World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF are calling on parties to the conflict to provide humanitarian access to avert the hunger crisis.

Humanitarian aid and medical emergencies

The WFP recently provided food assistance to more than 10,000 people in Zamzam IDP camp, while the organization reports that access to food and nutrition continues to deteriorate for millions. 8.1 million people are still affected by emergency hunger and 638,000 people have reached catastrophic hunger, classified as IPC Phase 5. These alarming figures highlight the urgency of humanitarian action.

Since April 2023, Doctors Without Borders has recorded over 1.7 million people providing medical assistance, including 32,000 emergency room visits. Malnutrition and disruption of vaccination campaigns contribute to the spread of diseases such as measles and cholera. At the same time, many people are affected by sexual violence. The WHO reports that 70 percent of health facilities in conflict areas are closed or barely functioning.

It is crucial that immediate action is taken to ensure humanitarian assistance and alleviate the suffering of those affected. The call to open several border crossings and to repair roads and bridges is essential to ensure supplies and prevent further human suffering.

With more than 6.7 million children under five years of age screened for malnutrition, the need for preventative and curative measures is paramount. The situation in Sudan remains critical and the international community must act quickly to mitigate the impact of this humanitarian crisis.