Humanitarian organizations around the world are sounding the alarm on the rapidly worsening hunger situation in Sudan, as millions of Sudanese people face the bleak realities of starvation and acute malnutrition, and the complete loss of livelihoods.
Over half the population of Sudan (24.6 million people) are facing acute hunger (IPC3+) since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, and up to 640,000 people are already experiencing famine-like conditions in five identified areas.
According to the UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Famine Review Committee, famine is projected in an additional five areas of Sudan, and a further seventeen areas are at risk of famine.
In response to the escalating needs, the Government of Canada has provided $4 million to Canadian Foodgrains Bank and its member agencies to provide emergency food assistance to thousands of families most affected by the hunger crisis in Sudan.
“As the crisis in Sudan continues, Canada’s support to those in dire need is unwavering,” says Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen. “We will continue working with our humanitarian partners to support their life-saving efforts while working alongside global partners to find lasting solutions.”
Foodgrains Bank has five active projects in Sudan, including three projects which will be funded through this grant. The new funding is helping to provide emergency relief for over 28,000 people living in Sudan, such as supplying food assistance via food baskets, cash payments or vouchers for markets in South Darfur, North Kordofan, Al Jazeera, and White Nile states.
“The crisis in Sudan is among the worst in the world,” says Andy Harrington, Foodgrains Bank executive director. “Urgent humanitarian access and provision of food supplies is essential if we hope to prevent this crisis from worsening further. We’re grateful for this funding investment from the Government of Canada, and for the support of Canadian donors who care about their international neighbours in need.”
The hunger crisis in Sudan is at a critical stage for millions of people, and humanitarian relief must be provided as soon as possible.
Nearly two years into the conflict, Sudan has become the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and has triggered the mass displacement of millions of people. In neighbouring South Sudan, Foodgrains Bank members and their locally based partners are also serving thousands of women, men, and children who have been forced to flee amidst the ongoing crisis.
