The Africa Center for Democracy and Socio-economic Development (CDS Africa) is issuing a critical alert regarding the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, with particular emphasis on the dire situation in Zamzam displacement camp, North Darfur. Following the outbreak of conflict on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country has been plunged into chaos, inflicting devastating consequences on millions of civilians who find themselves caught in the crossfire.
This conflict has severely exacerbated Sudan's already fragile health system, resulting in widespread destruction and looting of health facilities, acute shortages of medical supplies, and a significant lack of resources for healthcare workers. Consequently, accessing medical care has become an immense challenge for individuals across the nation, with many only receiving treatment when their conditions have reached critical levels.
The crisis within Zamzam displacement camp is particularly acute, as it currently houses approximately 450,000 displaced individuals who have fled the violence and instability that has engulfed Sudan. This camp has become a focal point for the humanitarian emergency, where the consequences of ongoing conflict manifest in dire circumstances for its residents. Recent reports from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) highlight the severity of the situation, revealing that they have been forced to suspend outpatient treatment for 5,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. Among these children, a staggering 2,900 are experiencing severe cases that require immediate medical intervention. This suspension of treatment highlights the critical nature of the humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for comprehensive aid.
The distressing decision to halt these services is primarily a result of prolonged blockades imposed by the warring parties. These blockades have systematically obstructed the delivery of essential food, medicines, and other critical supplies to the camp, leaving the population vulnerable and in desperate need of assistance. The lack of access to nutritious food has exacerbated the already alarming rates of malnutrition, placing countless children at risk of life-threatening conditions. Moreover, the blockades not only hinder the provision of immediate relief but also disrupt the ability of healthcare providers to conduct assessments and monitor the health needs of the population effectively. As a result, many individuals are left without the support they need to manage chronic conditions or receive preventive care, further compounding the public health crisis within the camp.
In August, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed that a famine is already underway in Zamzam camp. MSF's assessments earlier this year revealed alarming statistics: 34% of children in the camp are malnourished, with a child succumbing to malnutrition-related causes every two hours on average. The current mortality rate remains largely unrecorded due to the ongoing crisis, but it is feared to have worsened significantly.
The humanitarian needs in Zamzam camp are staggering. To provide even basic sustenance to the camp's population, at least 2,000 tons of emergency food rations—approximately 100 truckloads—are required monthly. In addition to food, there is an urgent necessity for medical supplies, including therapeutic food, vaccines, and medications for chronic conditions. Most critically, there must be unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid and conduct assessments.
In light of this dire situation, CDS Africa is calling on all parties involved particularly the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, and all other armed groups to immediately cease hostilities and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Zamzam camp and other affected areas. The international community, including governments, regional bodies, and the United Nations, must intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and ensure the protection of both civilians and humanitarian workers.
We urge humanitarian organizations worldwide to significantly scale up their efforts in Sudan, particularly in Zamzam camp, to address the critical needs of the population. To support these efforts, we appeal to donors for immediate and substantial funding to enhance the humanitarian response in Sudan, with a special focus on combating acute malnutrition and food insecurity.
The situation in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict. Each passing day without action translates to more lives lost—lives that could be saved with timely intervention. We share a collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable, and we must act now to avert further catastrophe.
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