KHARTOUM, Sudan: The warring parties in Sudan must immediately allow safe access corridors from neighboring Chad and South Sudan to enable the UN and humanitarian organizations to bring in urgent health and nutrition supplies, warns Dr. Farooq Khan, Concern’s Country Director in Sudan. The call comes as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) predicts that 755,000 people will face famine-like conditions in Sudan between now and September.
Over half of Sudan’s population of 25.6 million people is expected to face crisis conditions by September, marking the worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded by the IPC in the country. Dr. Khan emphasized that some areas inaccessible to non-government organizations due to fighting may already be experiencing famine-like conditions, potentially underreported by 5-10%.
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has severely impacted access to food and health services. The 90 clinics supported by Concern are under immense pressure, with many people unable to access their farms or livelihoods. Commercial market supplies have been disrupted, forcing many to rely entirely on aid for sustenance.
Since the conflict began, almost 11,000 children under five have been treated for acute or severe malnutrition at Concern-supported clinics. Access to health facilities is increasingly challenging as populations are forced to move frequently due to the fighting. Concern is exploring options for mobile clinics to meet the needs of those on the move.
Over 10 million Sudanese are internally displaced, and a further 2.2 million have fled to neighboring countries. Supplies of nutritional food for clinics, essential for treating malnourished children, have been inconsistent due to the ongoing conflict. In addition to supporting clinics, Concern is procuring and distributing food, including cereals, pulses, sorghum, dried vegetables, and cooking oil.
Accessibility to impacted communities and an uninterrupted supply of essential health and nutrition commodities are crucial to preventing widespread famine and saving lives, Dr. Khan stressed. Concern’s teams are also responding to the needs of Sudanese refugees in Chad and South Sudan, providing water, sanitation, hygiene services, healthcare, and nutrition support.
The UNHCR estimates that over 600,000 Sudanese have crossed into Chad since April 2023, a number that could rise to over 910,000 by the end of the year. Concern is implementing a multi-sectoral emergency response in camps and host communities near the Sudan border. In South Sudan, approximately 729,955 people have crossed the border since last April, with Concern providing malnutrition screenings, access to clean water, and cash assistance for food and other needs.
Concern Worldwide is calling on the international community to urgently work towards a ceasefire and inclusive peace process. Press for guaranteed humanitarian access through all possible routes and ensure the safety of civilians and aid workers. Increase investment in the local health system, which is severely disrupted but not destroyed. Press donors to immediately disburse $2 billion committed at the Paris conference in April to finance and accelerate the supply chain of essential medical supplies and equipment. Dr. Khan emphasized the resilience of many health workers who have returned to clinics despite the challenges, but highlighted the severe shortages of equipment and lifesaving supplies essential for treating malnutrition.
Immediate and coordinated international action is needed to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan.
