Sudanese People on the Brink of Famine

Slip into worst levels of acute food insecurity and malnutrition

The people of Sudan are now facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded in the country by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative. More than half of Sudan's population, totaling 25.6 million people, is expected to be in crisis or emergency levels between June and September 2024, coinciding with the lean season. Of these, 755,000 people in ten states, including Khartoum and Blue Nile where Medair works, face catastrophic levels of food insecurity. Three out of four children now go hungry every day, as the number of children facing severe food insecurity has almost doubled in six months to a shocking 16.4 million. The main cause is the ongoing conflict between rival militaries, which broke out in April 2023 and has pushed the country into the world's largest internal displacement crisis. Fourteen months of intense fighting in Sudan's key agricultural regions, including Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Al Jazira, have led to widespread displacement and severe restrictions on humanitarian access. This, combined with a significant funding shortfall, has created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The escalating conflict is disrupting food production systems, killing many farmers, and depriving markets of essential goods. Many in the humanitarian community have been warning that this hunger crisis would happen for a long time but have not been heard. And now the people of Sudan, are on the brink of famine.

Humanitarian aid targeted by attackers

With the international humanitarian response plan only being funded by around 16% as of July 2024 and access constraints and insecurity for humanitarian aid constantly increasing, the situation gets more and more dire for people in urgent need of assistance. The little aid that does get through is often attacked. Just recently on 30 June, unidentified gunmen in Sudan attacked UN World Food Programme (WFP) trucks carrying food aid for thousands of vulnerable civilians, the agency reported.  

“The aid looted from a WFP convoy will no longer go to the most vulnerable people in need,” Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the top UN humanitarian official for Sudan said and called on authorities that “the safe delivery of supplies must be guaranteed by all.”

Medair continues to bring relief and hope

Despite the challenges, Medair's team remains committed to serving the most vulnerable in hard-to-reach areas of Sudan. In response to the growing hunger crisis in Blue Nile State, our mobile clinics and facilities provide integrated health and nutrition services to the most vulnerable groups - children under the age of five, and pregnant and lactating women. Through these services, Medair provides essential nutritional support that can significantly reduce the incidence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). Access to therapeutic foods and micronutrient supplements helps malnourished children and mothers recover quickly, reduce mortality, and promote healthier growth and development. Our services also ensure that mothers receive adequate nutrition, which is critical for their health and the health of their babies. Proper nutrition during pregnancy can prevent complications, promote healthy birth weights, and improve the overall well-being of mothers and babies.

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Our mobile clinics are essential for reaching remote and conflict-affected areas where health services are scarce or non-existent. By taking medical care directly to vulnerable communities, we increase access to essential health and nutrition services and ensure that even the most hard-to-reach populations receive the care they need. Meanwhile, our integrated services in static health facilities provide an even more stable and continuous source of nutrition support, enabling consistent monitoring and treatment of malnutrition over time. Integrated nutrition services include a range of additional support, such as immunization, health education, and treatment for common illnesses. This holistic approach ensures that children and mothers receive comprehensive care, addresses multiple health needs simultaneously, and improves overall health outcomes. Medair's services include educational components that teach communities about proper nutrition, hygiene, and health practices. This empowers families to take better care of their health and well-being, leading to long-term improvements in nutrition and health standards.

Each life is worth the extra mile

Our activities in Sudan reflect our belief in the inherent value of every human life. By focusing on the most vulnerable groups, such as malnourished children and pregnant women, we emphasize the importance of caring for the well-being of every individual. Our comprehensive programs address not only immediate needs but also the broader aspects of human development and resilience. Despite the often-dire circumstances in which we work, Medair strives to bring moments of joy and hope to the communities we serve in Sudan. Whether through the successful treatment of a malnourished child or the empowerment of a mother through health education, our work fosters a sense of hope and positivity. These moments of joy are crucial to sustaining the morale and spirit of the vulnerable communities we serve, even in the most difficult of times.

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Medair services in Blue Nile are funded by USAID, the EU, and private donors.

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This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.

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