ROME/NEW YORK, 24 December 2024 – The famine crisis in Sudan is worsening, with more regions now confirmed as facing famine conditions, according to a joint statement from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF. Four months after famine was initially identified in Zamzam camp in North Darfur, additional areas across North Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains have been classified as experiencing catastrophic food insecurity.
The latest report from the Famine Review Committee (FRC) and projections from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) highlight famine conditions in at least five areas, including Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al Salam camps in North Darfur, as well as parts of the Western Nuba Mountains. Famine is projected to spread to five more areas between December 2024 and May 2025, including Um Kadadah, Melit, El Fasher, At Tawisha, and Al Lait in North Darfur. Alarmingly, 17 additional areas are at risk of famine during this period.
Key Findings:
- Over 24.6 million people in Sudan, more than half the population, face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above).
- 8.1 million people are in Emergency conditions (IPC Phase 4), and 638,000 are in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe).
- Despite the harvest season, food availability has plummeted due to conflict, displacement, and disrupted markets, exacerbating the crisis.
Without immediate international intervention and unhindered humanitarian access, the situation risks spiraling into one of the worst food crises globally, with devastating impacts on children and vulnerable populations.
Drivers of the Crisis
The crisis is fueled by sustained conflict, widespread displacement, and restricted humanitarian access. In North Darfur’s Zamzam camp, where famine was first confirmed, food deliveries have been sporadic, and prices of basic goods have soared beyond the reach of most residents. Violence and economic instability continue to hinder the flow of aid and agricultural production.
Urgent Call for Action
Humanitarian agencies are urging immediate action to prevent the crisis from deepening:
- Unhindered Humanitarian Access: A ceasefire and safe access to conflict-affected areas are critical to delivering lifesaving aid.
- Increased Funding: The international community must prioritize funding for humanitarian operations to address acute needs.
- Emergency Interventions: Prepositioning food and medical supplies ahead of the upcoming hunger season is vital to saving lives.
Voices from the Frontlines
- FAO: Rein Paulsen, FAO’s Director of Emergencies and Resilience, emphasized the urgency: “We must stop famine in Sudan—it can be done. Immediate cessation of hostilities and scaled-up humanitarian access are essential.”
- WFP: Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP’s Director of Food Security, warned, “A protracted famine is taking hold in Sudan. People are dying as they have had little to no food for months. We are doing everything we can to deliver assistance, but the situation remains volatile.”
- UNICEF: Lucia Elmi, UNICEF Director of Emergency Operations, highlighted the plight of children: “Millions of young lives hang in the balance. We need sustained, unimpeded access to provide therapeutic food, water, and medicine.”
Current Humanitarian Efforts
- FAO is distributing seeds, livestock supplies, and emergency agricultural tools, reaching millions despite security challenges.
- WFP has provided food aid to over 800,000 people in famine-stricken areas and plans to expand its operations.
- UNICEF is scaling up nutrition interventions, treating over 415,000 children for severe malnutrition and supporting caregivers with infant feeding education.
A Crisis Without Borders
Conflict zones in Khartoum and Al Jazeera may also face famine conditions, though lack of reliable data hampers confirmation. The situation underscores the urgency of further assessments and international cooperation to address the crisis.
Conclusion
As Sudan faces its worst hunger crisis in recent history, immediate action is essential to save millions of lives. The FAO, WFP, and UNICEF are calling on the global community to act decisively, ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need and addressing the root causes of the crisis.
For updates and more information, visit news360.live.
Source: UNICEF
