The World Food Program (WFP) announced on Friday that it provided aid to 4 million people in Sudan during March, the highest monthly figure since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
However, the UN agency cautioned that this assistance still reaches only a fraction of those facing critical hunger.
Samantha Chattaraj, WFP’s emergency coordinator for Sudan, stated that this included 1.6 million individuals in areas experiencing or at risk of famine.
Chattaraj described the humanitarian situation in Sudan as exceptionally complex and challenging, emphasizing that despite improved access, the needs remain immense.
Alarmingly, nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan’s population, are grappling with acute hunger, including approximately 5 million acutely malnourished children and breastfeeding mothers.
She further highlighted that Sudan is currently the only country globally where famine has been confirmed.
The WFP aims to reach 7 million people by mid-year, prioritizing the most severely food-insecure regions.
However, the agency stressed that its ability to expand operations depends on immediate donor support, requiring $698 million to sustain efforts from May to October.
Funding shortfalls could lead to reduced rations, fewer beneficiaries, and a smaller geographical reach.
Chattaraj warned that the goal of assisting 7 million people is at serious risk without this crucial funding.
The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s army, ongoing since April 15, 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
While the UN and local authorities report over 20,000 deaths and 15 million displaced, research suggests the actual death toll could be significantly higher, around 130,000.
