Three United Nations agencies have issued a strong warning about the deteriorating nutritional situation for children and mothers in war-torn Sudan.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and World Health Organization (WHO) have highlighted the escalating crisis caused by ongoing hostilities, which are severely impacting access to nutritious food, safe drinking water, and sanitation, while also increasing the risk of disease.
The agencies report that widespread population displacement and violence have led to severe malnutrition among children. In Central Darfur, acute malnutrition affects 15.6% of children under five, while in ZamZam camp, the rate is nearly 30%.
The conflict has hampered the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, leaving many women and children without vital support.
“Children in Sudan are experiencing horrific violence, displacement, and trauma – and now they face potential famine,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“Parties to the conflict must urgently allow humanitarian access so children can receive food, water, medical care, and shelter. But most of all, children need peace.”
WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the dire consequences if immediate and safe access to humanitarian assistance is not granted.
“Millions of lives are at stake and the international community must act now or we risk losing an entire generation of children,” she stated.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed the long-term impacts of malnutrition, noting that malnourished children face lifelong developmental challenges and increased mortality from infectious diseases.
“The clock is ticking, edging Sudan’s mothers and children closer to famine,” he warned.
The agencies highlighted data gaps due to restricted access to conflict zones but indicated that the situation is critically deteriorating.
They called for immediate, unimpeded access to affected communities and a nationwide ceasefire to allow for humanitarian aid delivery.
“With the rainy and lean seasons approaching, the urgency of the situation is compounded, and the agencies are urging significant donor support to avert the worst outcomes.
“The lives of Sudan’s children hang in the balance, and swift international action is essential to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe,” they said.
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