Sudan is currently facing a severe and unprecedented humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread displacement, hunger, and a collapsing healthcare system .
Key aspects of the crisis:
- Escalating Conflict: A civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began on April 15, 2023, has plunged the country into chaos. Civilians are subject to frequent attacks and human rights violations .
- Displacement: Sudan represents the largest and fastest displacement crisis in the world, with over 12 million people displaced since April 2023. Nearly 4 million of these have fled to neighboring countries .
- Famine: Famine is spreading across Sudan, with over 635,000 people already experiencing famine conditions . Violence is hindering the delivery of food, and soaring food prices are having a devastating impact . There are more people experiencing catastrophic hunger conditions in Sudan than the rest of the world combined .
- Collapsing Healthcare: The war has destroyed Sudan’s public infrastructure, including its health system. Over 80% of hospitals in conflict zones are non-operational, leaving millions without access to essential medical care as disease outbreaks surge .
- Vulnerable Groups: Women and children face heightened risks, including gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse .
- Humanitarian Needs: 30.4 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—are in need of humanitarian support .
Humanitarian Response and Challenges:
- Aid Delivery: Attacks on humanitarian aid workers and severe access constraints, particularly in active conflict zones, have made it difficult to deliver lifesaving aid .
- Funding Shortages: A significant funding gap exists to meet the escalating needs in Sudan. The humanitarian response plan requires US$4.2 billion in 2025 to deliver aid to 20.9 million of the most vulnerable people .
IRC (International Rescue Committee) Response:
- The IRC is supporting Sudanese communities within the country and across borders by delivering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs .
- They also provide child protection services and support for women and girls, including services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) .
- The IRC delivers health and nutrition services through mobile and static health facilities and livelihood assistance through multi-purpose cash aid to internally displaced persons .
