The numbers are overwhelming. After 2 years of intense conflict, the United Nations is now describing the crisis in Sudan as the largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world. 

An infographic. 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. 9 million people are internally displaced. 25 million people face severe food insecurity.

Behind each of these numbers is a human being with a harrowing story and a precarious future. The only remaining lifeline for millions of civilians across Sudan is humanitarian assistance. However, ongoing impediments to access in the country, coupled with the global cuts to aid, are creating unprecedented pressure on humanitarian operations.

These challenges threaten to undermine life-saving activities, leaving many at significant risk. It is imperative for the international donor community to recognize these gaps and step up their efforts to help provide essential aid to those in dire need. 

A baby in Sudan receiving an injectable vaccine.
A baby in Sudan receiving an injectable vaccine.

Although there are non-governmental organizations (non-profits) providing critical health services in Sudan, many have had to scale back, pull out of certain regions, or leave the country altogether. One of those remaining is Medical Teams International. 

Since 2021, we’ve been providing health-focused humanitarian relief, operating at the intersection of communities and primary health care facilities. War broke out on April 15, 2023, and we have been navigating the challenges and scaling up our response as needs have skyrocketed over the past 2 years.  

An infographic. We now deliver health and nutrition services in Gedaref, White Nile, Aljazeera, and Khartoum states across 98 health centers, 13 refugee camps, and 85 host communities and IDP villages through direct medical services, community health outreach, and health systems strengthening.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, Medical Teams is showing the people of Sudan that we believe in them and their commitment to care for one another through our health care services. We re-equip, train, and incentivize health staff at primary health centers and rural hospitals, restore cold chain and medicine procurement, and repair health facilities. We also maintain a fleet of ambulances to support referral systems. Community health is strengthened by training volunteers to screen for malnutrition, distribute micronutrients, conduct disease surveillance, and share health education. 

To ensure coverage in hard-to-reach areas, Medical Teams also operates Mobile Medical Units that provide consultations and treatments for mental health, reproductive health, maternal and child health, immunizations, and both communicable and non-communicable diseases.  

A community health volunteer screening a child for malnutrition.
A community health volunteer screening a child for malnutrition.

Since the start of the conflict in April 2023, our Sudan programs have directly reached over 2 million people, including over 900,000 people who received medical consultation services within the health facilities we support.

The conflict has severely impacted humanitarian access, worsening what was already a critical situation in the country. Here are some of the greatest challenges we are facing: 

And infographic. Famine: About half of Sudan's population of 50 million now suffer from some degree of acute hunger. Theft and violence: Critical supplies have been cut off or stolen by military groups. Infrastructure: Telecommunication and internet blackouts further complicate communication and coordination of aid delivery. No Safe Water: No access to clean water for at least half a million displaced people significantly increases the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

Even before the recent aid cuts, the crisis in Sudan often received little attention and low funding despite its severity. This situation is only expected to worsen due to uncertainties involving U.S. funding, especially since at least half of the international and national responders providing life-saving aid in Sudan rely on U.S. support. These challenges have compounded the difficulties faced by humanitarian organizations working in Sudan, making it even harder to address the urgent needs of the affected populations. 

As we hope for stronger diplomatic engagement among all stakeholders to achieve lasting peace in Sudan, it is crucial to seriously recognize the urgent need for increased funding for humanitarian responders in Sudan.

The international donor community must act now to prevent catastrophes, sustain and enhance humanitarian aid, and support long-term recovery.

Sudan Country Director Birhanu Waka (pictured in center, with cap) accompanies Chief of Global Programs Lauren Taylor and other staff on a tour of a clinic.
Sudan Country Director Birhanu Waka (pictured in center, with cap) accompanies Chief of Global Programs Lauren Taylor and other staff on a tour of a clinic.

Additionally, there must be robust advocacy efforts to ensure immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access across Sudan and its borders. Without a significant increase in humanitarian intervention and unrestricted access, millions will suffer. 

Youn can make a life-saving difference with your gift in support of Sudan by clicking HERE.  

Pray for Sudan! 

Photo of Birhanu Waka, Sudan Country Director

 

Birhanu Waka, Sudan Country Director