UNICEF warns of catastrophic loss of lives in Sudan as famine looms

The U.N. children’s agency has issued a stark warning about the escalating crisis in Sudan, as the civil war intensifies and hunger reaches critical levels, raising fears of a potential humanitarian catastrophe.

As the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue their violent conflict against Sudan’s army for control of the nation, the death toll rises, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced both within and outside Sudan, prompting concerns of widespread famine.

Jill Lawler, chief of field operations and emergency for UNICEF in Sudan, emphasized the urgent need for a massive mobilization of resources to address the crisis, stating, “The brutal war in Sudan is pushing the country towards a famine and unless there is sufficient political will, attention and resources put towards the response now, we are looking at a potential catastrophic loss of lives.”

Lawler revealed disturbing findings from the first U.N. mission to Khartoum since the violence erupted in April 2023, where malnourished children were found in dark hospitals due to failed generators. She recounted the tragic case of a three-month-old baby falling critically ill after being fed goat milk instead of formula, due to the mother’s inability to afford proper nutrition.

“Hunger is pervasive – it is the number one concern people expressed,” Lawler emphasized, underscoring the dire conditions facing the population in Sudan.

Reports from the U.N. indicate that up to 3.7 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition this year in Sudan, with 730,000 requiring urgent lifesaving intervention to prevent further deterioration of their health.

The situation on the ground is grim, with overcrowded medical facilities where multiple patients are forced to share beds, highlighting the severe strain on the healthcare system in Sudan.

It is essential for immediate action to be taken to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, with a focus on securing political commitment, increased attention, and dedicated resources to prevent a devastating loss of lives among the vulnerable population.

UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies are urging the international community to step up efforts to assist Sudan in this time of dire need, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained support to prevent a full-blown humanitarian disaster from unfolding in the country.

As the conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, it is crucial for coordinated efforts to be made to provide vital assistance to those affected by the violence and hunger, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals, especially children, are protected and supported during this challenging time.