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Famine in Sudan

16.08.2024

Famine was declared in North Darfur in early August. This is only the third time since its foundation that the responsible authority has officially declared a famine. Without the necessary additional aid, the situation could spread to other regions of the country. 

Famine in North Darfur

Famine has been declared in North Darfur, in the Zamzam camp, currently home to more than 400,000 displaced people. Famine represents the most acute level of food insecurity. This level has only been declared on two occasions so far (in Somalia in 2011 and South Sudan in 2017). Without humanitarian aid, the situation could spread to other regions, where more than 25 million people – half the country’s population – are already threatened by acute food insecurity. In addition to the catastrophic food situation, the population is also having to contend with widespread violence and no longer has access to reliable healthcare, as almost 80% of the region’s hospitals are no longer operational.

Peace talks: a glimmer of hope

In an attempt to bring an end to the conflict raging in Sudan, On 14 August, new peace talks initiated by the United States began in Switzerland. The talks bring a glimmer of hope amidst a war that has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Our aid in Sudan

Since the crisis began, we have been carrying out humanitarian projects in Sudan, Chad and South Sudan. Thanks to the donations received, SwS’s Swiss partners Caritas, Medair, Vétérinaires sans frontières, MSF and the Swiss Red Cross have been providing access to medical care, food, drinking water and sanitation facilities, as well as financial and psychosocial support for displaced families.

Here are a few examples of the assistance being provided:

    In Darfur, MSF provides medical care, supports hospitals and rehabilitates health infrastructures.In El Obeid, Sudan, the Swiss Red Cross is rehabilitating water points and sanitation facilities in accommodation centres for displaced people. The organisation is also providing psychological support sessions and childcare centres.In South Sudan, on the border with Sudan, Caritas is supporting refugees. Its activities include child protection, healthcare access and financial support for affected families.In Chad, Medair is ensuring a safe water supply in the Dougui and other refugee camps, mainly by drilling wells there.

  • In Darfur, MSF provides medical care, supports hospitals and rehabilitates health infrastructures.
  • In El Obeid, Sudan, the Swiss Red Cross is rehabilitating water points and sanitation facilities in accommodation centres for displaced people. The organisation is also providing psychological support sessions and childcare centres.
  • In South Sudan, on the border with Sudan, Caritas is supporting refugees. Its activities include child protection, healthcare access and financial support for affected families.
  • In Chad, Medair is ensuring a safe water supply in the Dougui and other refugee camps, mainly by drilling wells there.

    • The situation remains extremely precarious and humanitarian aid urgently needs to be stepped up.

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