UNICEF warns of the aggravation of acute malnutrition among children in Darfur

According to the latest surveys that covered the period until May 2025, more than 40,000 children were entered for treatment in North Darfur alone, which is twice the number recorded in the same period last year.

In 9 out of 13 regions in Darfur, the acute malnutrition rate exceeded the emergency levels set by the World Health Organization. In this context, Shieldon, a UNICEF representative in Sudan, warned that children are in Darfur “They suffer from hunger due to the conflict, and they are deprived of aid that can save them.”

The UN official added: “Even before the drought season reaches its climax, these numbers are dangerous, and it is likely to worsen without taking quick humanitarian measures. It is the moment of truth; children’s life depends on whether the world will choose to move or ignore the matter.”

A situation that reflects the reality of Sudan

UNICEF reported that the situation is worrying to the same extent in other parts of the country. Accelerated malnutrition increased by more than 70% in North Kordofan, by 174% in the state of Khartoum, with an amazing rate of 683% in the state of the island. However, UNICEF indicated that the increase in acceptance rates for treatment on the island and Khartoum probably reflects an improvement in the security situation and the possibility of humanitarian aid.

As Sudan now enters the peak of the drought season, the risk of child mortality is rapidly increasing in areas that are already approaching the thresholds of starvation. UNICEF said that cholera, measles and the collapse of health services are all factors that increase the crisis, which exposes the weak children to greater risk.

The conflict intensified in North Darfur

Since April, the conflict has intensified in North Darfur – especially around Al -Fasher and Zamzam camp, where entire neighborhoods have been trapped, hospitals have been bombed and the roads were closed, while aid convoys face looting and attacks, and human arrival is now almost non -existent.

UNICEF stated that it had managed to deliver a batch of supplies to El -Fasher early this year, but the insecurity prevented more. The organization warned that the medical food supplies for use in Al -Fasher have now exhausted, and that the health facilities in Zamzam and its surroundings have closed their doors. She said that the lack of water and poor sanitation exacerbates the risk of cholera and other deadly diseases.

As a result of this situation, approximately 400,000 people fled from Zamzam camp, and many walked 70 km on foot to reach a long area.

UNICEF said that she is doing her best with partners to save lives – from treating wounded and malnutrition, to drilling wells and distributing food – “However, violence still generates new needs that exceed the organization’s ability to fulfill it.”

urgency

UNICEF called for all parties, urgently, by facilitating the arrival of humanitarian aid quickly and safely and without obstacles to the affected population in Darfur and Kordofan, and called for renewing diplomatic pressure to stop hostilities to allow life -saving aid to children.

It also called on the international community to fully finance the humanitarian response and ensure that supply chains continue for therapeutic foods and medical supplies. The United Nations Agency said it needs an additional $ 200 million this year to support and expand basic nutrition services, including severe acute malnutrition treatment and the treatment of therapeutic foods.

It is noteworthy that severe severe malnutrition, also known as severe wasting, is the most deadly malnutrition, as children with it are severely vulnerable to complications that threaten their lives, and suffer from a high mortality rate if they do not receive adequate or appropriate care.