Peter Graaff, the temporary delegate for the Sudan branch of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), expressed concern over the inadequate living conditions for displaced individuals residing in densely populated areas. These individuals lack access to fundamental necessities such as water, sanitation, food, and basic services.

He stated that the situation in Sudan was like a disaster because the healthcare system is barely working. The program for childhood vaccinations is failing and contagious illnesses are spreading.

He was speaking to correspondents at the regular press briefing at the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG), from Cairo, having recently visited South Sudan, Chad and Kenya.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Sudan has seen more than 10,000 cases of cholera, 5,000 cases of measles, approximately 8,000 cases of dengue, and over 1.2 million clinical cases of malaria.

The concerning increase occurs while more than 80 out of the 503 health facilities run by aid groups are not fully operational or only partially operational due to safety concerns and insufficient medical resources or staff.

‘Catastrophic hunger’ looming

Humanitarian organizations have issued a warning that the approaching lean season, beginning in May, may result in severe hunger crises.

In Sudan, there are 3.5 million children who are malnourished and more than 700,000 of them have severe acute malnourishment, which calls for immediate assistance.

According to Mr. Graaff, hunger can weaken the body’s immune system, leaving it vulnerable to illness and increasing the risk of death.

He stated that there is a harmful connection between disease and malnutrition, with pregnant women and children being the most vulnerable and at risk of death.

Skyrocketing displacement

The conflict that began in April between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in over 25 million individuals relying on humanitarian aid.

Approximately 7.8 million individuals in Sudan have been displaced from their residences, with 1.6 million of them being compelled to escape to neighboring countries.

On Monday, there were 6,600 locations in all 18 states of the country where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were seeking shelter. This is a rise of 112 locations from the previous week.

In April 2023, a relief facility in west Darfur that held vaccinations, medication, and other items requiring refrigeration was searched during the ongoing conflict.

The United Nations has faced difficulties in responding to various global challenges.

The response of UN agencies and aid partners has been increased, but they are encountering difficulties such as security concerns, theft, bureaucratic obstacles, and communication disruptions.

The shortage of fuel has a ripple effect on the mobility of workers and delivery of aid, as well as the ability to power refrigeration for storage and provide water services.

The lack of adequate funding also limits the response.

The United Nations introduced the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan in December, which calls for $2.7 billion to support 14.7 million individuals in the country affected by war. This plan aims to provide essential protection and aid until 2024.

As of 12 February 2024, the appeal has only received $94.5 million in funding, which is equivalent to 3.5% of the total amount needed, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

“Despite facing numerous obstacles, humanitarian organizations persist in delivering vital aid to those in need. The ongoing conflict, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, has intensified an already critical humanitarian crisis,” stated the Office.

The source is news.un.org.