Eatizaz Yousif, Country Director, IRC, Sudan said; “Sudan currently faces the worst levels of hunger ever recorded during what should be the harvest season a period when food is normally more plentiful—due to ongoing conflict that has persisted since April of last year.”
He also stated; “We worry that by June 2024, when the lean season begins, seven million people may experience severe hunger, based on information that is now accessible, conversations with specialists, and observations made by IRC staff members.
People’s bodies begin to weaken from a lack of vital nutrients when they don’t eat enough. They become more vulnerable to infections and diseases. They may eventually develop malnutrition and may perish from famine.”
In order to confront this escalating humanitarian situation, the IRC and other humanitarian groups are urging an immediate expansion of food and financial assistance in addition to support for water, sanitation, and hygiene. Parties to the conflict must simultaneously allow humanitarian agents unrestricted access to the underprivileged communities.
The negotiation and implementation of a comprehensive and long-lasting peace deal need persistent diplomatic pressure from the international community and regional stakeholders on all parties involved in the conflict.
The IRC has adjusted its programs and increased its response in Sudan since the conflict began on April 15, 2023, in order to address the growing humanitarian needs. It has done this by refocusing on needs-based emergency responses to internally displaced people (IDPs) through multi-sectoral economic recovery and development, health and nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
In addition, the IRC offers comprehensive services for women, girls, and children as well as integrated protection services and empowerment services, including support for survivors of gender-based violence.
