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Youth

Sudan Grapples with Humanitarian Catastrophe as War Continues

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the world observes United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) World Population Day, Sudan finds itself in the midst of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe. Over 26 million people urgently require aid due to famine, mass displacement, and the collapse of health services. The country's population crisis spotlights the largest-ever generation of young people, but in Sudan, millions of children and youth face displacement, hunger, and the collapse of education and healthcare, making this vision remote. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, urged the world to stand with young people and build a future where every person can shape their destiny in a world that is fair, peaceful, and full of hope.

Key Takeaways:

  • 26 million people in Sudan urgently need aid due to famine, mass displacement, and health services collapse.
  • The UN launched a $6 billion response plan for Sudan and neighboring host countries in February, warning that 4.8 million people face acute food insecurity, 1.8 million risk losing food assistance, and two-thirds of displaced children may miss out on primary education.
  • Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, over 12.3 million people have been displaced from their homes, with nearly one million seeking refuge in Chad, and more than 720,000 Sudanese refugees.
  • Aid agencies report that 90% of displaced individuals are women and children who have suffered rape, torture, and sexual slavery.
  • Humanitarian operations are collapsing under the strain, with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) suspending activities in Zamzam camp, home to nearly half a million people, in February.
  • Sudan's health system is in free fall, with 72% of facilities in Khartoum no longer functional, and violence in Darfur blocking aid deliveries.

Statistics:

  • More than 26 million people in Sudan urgently need aid.
  • 12.3 million people have been displaced from their homes since the outbreak of war in April 2023.
  • 4.8 million people face acute food insecurity.
  • 1.8 million risk losing food assistance.
  • 90% of displaced individuals are women and children.
  • 72% of facilities in Khartoum are no longer functional.
  • 431,015 children were admitted for severe acute malnutrition in 2024.
  • 720,000 Sudanese have sought refuge in Chad.

Sources:

  • UNFPA World Population Day 2025 (https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-population-day)
  • Dabanga (https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/un-secretary-general-guterres-shares-concern-about-escalation-of-conflict-with-sudans-el-burhan)
  • Dabanga (https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/un-urges-global-action-to-aid-26mn-sudanese-devastated-by-the-war)
  • Dabanga (https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/un-appeals-for-6bn-as-sudans-shocking-crisis-deepens)
  • MSF (https://www.msf.org/sudan-msf-forced-halt-our-activities-violence-engulfs-zamzam-camp-north-darfur)

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