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Parts of Sudan are facing a devastating famine that could impact over 755,000 people and see children die from hunger, warned humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide.
“The shocking reality is that there are already children dying from hunger in Sudan,” said Louise Foster, Concern’s Operations Director in Sudan.
“We are supporting many health facilities where we treat children who are malnourished, and we are trying to keep them operating while also providing food, clean water and other supports to families.”
Concern is providing health and nutrition services to women and children at clinics across Sudan while also providing clean water, food and aid kits that include items like solar lamps, blankets, jerry cans, soaps and sanitary pads.
A new report published by the UN-backed famine early warning systems network (Fews Net) found evidence that famine is present in the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people in the North Darfur region of Sudan. It is possible famine also exists in two other camps.
Fews Net said famine is only confirmed “after many deaths occur and mortality rates reach extreme levels – in this case, as many as two months ago.” They added that this “underscores that humanitarian and government actors should never wait for a confirmation of famine before taking meaningful actions to save lives.”
Half the population of Sudan is in need of humanitarian assistance. Over 10 million people have been displaced, and over two million have fled to neighbouring countries such as Chad and South Sudan.
Foster said that Concern, together with all responding organisations, requires more funding for what is regarded as one of the largest humanitarian disasters in the world right now.
“The situation here is rapidly deteriorating. We are now in the rainy season, which is hindering the already limited access we all have. An uninterrupted supply of life-saving aid is essential to prevent widespread famine,” she said.
“Our staff work under extreme conditions and face challenges on a daily basis. The team’s dedication to continue supporting those most vulnerable is inspiring and I am grateful to be part of such an amazing dedicated and skilled workforce.”
Concern has been calling for a ceasefire and for safe access from neighbouring Chad and South Sudan to enable the UN and humanitarian organisations bring in urgent health and nutrition supplies. The organisation has worked in Sudan since 1985, providing emergency support and long-term development programming.
To support Concern’s work in Sudan or to get more information, members of the public can visit: https://www.concern.org.uk/donate/sudan-emergency-appeal.
For media enquiries, please contact Nicole Bayes-Fleming, Senior Communications Officer, at [email protected]
