The children of Sudan are facing an unparalleled crisis as malnutrition rates soar in the midst of a relentless conflict. Recent analyses reveal that the war has intensified the root causes of child malnutrition, including inadequate access to nutritious food, clean drinking water, and proper sanitation. The massive displacement of families fleeing violence exacerbates these challenges, placing children at an even greater risk of disease and death.
The year-long conflict has severely disrupted the delivery of humanitarian aid, leaving countless women and children without essential food and nutritional support. Aid organizations are struggling to deliver nutrition products as escalating violence and bureaucratic obstacles impede access to the most affected areas.
Child malnutrition in Sudan has reached emergency levels. In Central Darfur, acute malnutrition is estimated at 15.6 percent among children under five, while in ZamZam camp, it is close to 30 percent. The situation has deteriorated in recent months, with no signs of improvement due to the ongoing conflict and severely restricted humanitarian access. Malnutrition is life-threatening, with malnourished children up to 11 times more likely to die than their well-nourished counterparts. The long-term consequences of malnutrition are devastating, affecting physical and cognitive development and posing a severe threat to Sudan’s future.
The situation is equally dire among pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. A recent screening in ZamZam camp, North Darfur, found that over 33 percent of these women are malnourished, indicating that they are likely sacrificing their own nutritional needs to feed their children. This scenario poses a significant risk to both mothers and their unborn children, with up to 30 percent of child malnutrition beginning in utero.
“Children in Sudan are enduring horrific violence, displacement, and now face the looming threat of famine,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “When children suffer from severe malnutrition, it impairs their development and can cause lifelong damage. Urgent humanitarian access is necessary to provide these children with food, water, medical care, and shelter. Above all, these children need peace.”
“Mothers and children across Sudan are wasting away from malnutrition,” added WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “The ongoing war has deprived them of everything essential for survival. Immediate and safe access to deliver humanitarian assistance is crucial. Without it, this crisis risks becoming the world’s largest hunger emergency.”
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the enduring impact of malnutrition, noting that malnourished children face a lifetime of developmental challenges and are more susceptible to infectious diseases. “The clock is ticking, edging Sudan’s mothers and children closer to famine,” he warned.
The impending rainy season, starting in June, will further isolate communities and increase disease rates, while the lean season will deplete food stocks. This situation is especially concerning this year due to below-normal agricultural production caused by insecurity and displacement.
Humanitarian organizations are urgently calling for immediate, unimpeded access to the hardest-hit communities and a de-escalation of the conflict. They also appeal for renewed and substantial support from donors to prevent the worst outcomes. The window to save Sudan’s children is rapidly closing.
As the world watches, we must ask ourselves: Who will step up to save Sudan’s children from this dire situation? It is a moral imperative for the international community to act swiftly and decisively to avert a catastrophe that could condemn an entire generation to suffering and death. The time to act is now, before the window of opportunity closes completely.