Two years into the conflict, the war in Sudan is having a devastating impact on the health and well-being of millions of Sudanese children. Across the country, 11.5 million people are internally displaced and an additional 3.3 million have crossed borders into neighboring countries, primarily Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan.
An estimated 778,000 children under five are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year. The situation is particularly devastating for those trapped in conflict-affected areas that suffer other risk factors such as recent outbreaks of measles, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Tens of thousands could die in the next few months from the conflict itself, starvation, or disease. The response to these crises of public health is complicated by heavy rains and flooding, which allows for the easier spread of several pathogens.
Education remains a challenge in this environment, with rural areas disproportionately affected. Currently, 17 million children are out of school with millions more facing protection risks. Thousands of schools are being used as shelters, which further complicates the issue. Conditions are expected to deteriorate further without humanitarian intervention.
UNICEF continues to call for an immediate ceasefire across Sudan. Despite significant challenges since the start of the conflict, UNICEF and partners have worked to provide life-saving assistance. Last year alone, UNICEF and partners:
- Reached 9.8 million children and caregivers with safe drinking water
- Treated 431,015 children with severe acute malnutrition
- Supported 6,473 unaccompanied and separated children with family reunification or alternative care, individualized case planning, psychosocial assistance, and referrals to other services
- Trained 112,135 community cadres, including health promoters, to strengthen local capacities with regard to public health
With your support, UNICEF can continue its lifesaving work for children in Sudan. Thank you.
