Amid the relentless onslaught on civilian lives and the deteriorating state of health and nutrition services in Sudan, UNICEF voices grave concerns over the potential loss of thousands of newborn lives by year-end. The organisation highlights the dire circumstances in which mothers and infants are finding themselves, plagued by war and scarce medical resources.
Approximately 333,000 children are expected to be born in Sudan between October and December. The need for skilled delivery care is paramount for their survival, but in a nation grappling with millions trapped in conflict zones or displaced from their homes and plagued by severe medical supply shortages, such critical care is dwindling by the day.
The state of nutrition services is equally disheartening. Each month, approximately 55,000 children require treatment for the deadliest form of malnutrition. However, in the capital city, Khartoum, less than one in 50 nutrition centres remains operational, and in West Darfur, it’s just one in 10.
Official casualty figures indicate that around 435 children have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. However, UNICEF fears that Sudan’s youngest citizens are now entering a period of unprecedented mortality due to the immense damage inflicted upon life-saving services that children rely on. The longer the conflict persists and with low funding levels in sight, the impact becomes increasingly devastating, underscoring the profound cost of inaction.
UNICEF personnel have recently returned from Sudan, where they encountered numerous pleas for support from a diverse range of individuals, including teachers, traders, architects, and, most notably, pregnant mothers, many of whom are now displaced. Families arrive in a state of fear and hunger, having left their possessions behind.
The escape journey is perilous, with women and girls consistently terrorized along the way. Reports of children being recruited into armed groups are on the rise, further highlighting the deteriorating situation. Sudan has now become one of the most dangerous places for aid workers.
Despite the formidable risks and the disregard for civilian life, UNICEF and its partners remain committed to delivering assistance to children across all 18 states of Sudan, even in the most challenging areas. Since the onset of the conflict, UNICEF, in collaboration with partners, has reached 5.1 million people with essential health supplies, provided safe drinking water to 2.8 million individuals, screened 2.9 million children for malnutrition, and offered life-saving treatment to 152,200 of them. Additionally, 300,000 mothers and households received cash support for resilience, and over 282,000 children and caregivers benefited from psychosocial counselling, education, and protection through 464 safe spaces established throughout the country.
However, UNICEF urgently requires funding. As of this month, the organisation’s appeal for US$838 million to aid nearly 10 million children remains less than a quarter funded. Such a substantial funding gap could translate into lost lives and an alarming decline in social sector spending. Without additional support, the basic social services in Sudan face the risk of collapsing.
Frontline workers, including nurses, doctors, teachers, and social workers, have endured months without pay in a nation experiencing 200 percent inflation. Despite the dire circumstances, these dedicated individuals continue to fulfil their duties, often working longer hours due to the escalating demands created by the conflict. Yet, their unwavering commitment cannot replenish dwindling supplies or restore bombed hospitals.
UNICEF also expresses deep concern regarding the uncertain fate of schools in Sudan. The country is already grappling with one of the most substantial education crises globally, with over seven million children out of school and 12 million awaiting the reopening of schools. For children, education is not solely about the right to learn; schools serve as a sanctuary that shields them from physical dangers, including abuse, exploitation, and recruitment into armed groups. The protracted conflict’s impact on schools, should they remain closed, is anticipated to have severe consequences for children’s development and psychosocial well-being.
