Heart-wrenching scenes unfold in Sudan, as escalating violence claims countless lives, with children bearing the brunt of deadly risks from ongoing airstrikes, famine, and severe hunger.
By Bezawit Bogale
The UN has issued a stark warning, revealing famine conditions in Sudan’s Zamzam camp, home to over 500,000 internally displaced persons. The organization fears that these dire conditions could soon spread to nearby areas, exacerbating the crisis.
Sheldon Yett, the representative of UNICEF in Sudan, emphasized the devastating impact of the conflict on children. She stressed, “As the conflict rages on, we fear for the lives of innocent children caught in the crossfire.”
Disease Threatens Children’s Lives
The violence not only claims lives directly but also increases the risk of death from widespread disease outbreaks. Sudan’s already fragile healthcare system is further strained, leading to deteriorating sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.
This perilous situation exponentially heightens the risk of outbreaks of cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles, impacting at least 12 of Sudan’s 18 states. Tragically, over 600 deaths have been reported from cholera alone in August and September.
Responding to these grave threats, UNICEF has ramped up vaccination efforts and dispatched 1.4 million doses of oral cholera vaccines via a chartered plane to Port Sudan. The aim is to immunize over 1.8 million individuals in the worst-hit states of Gedaref, Kassala, and River Nile. Additionally, more than 150 schools and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid to restore health facilities and enhance access to clean water and sanitation.
Violence Continues Its Grim Legacy
Over 10 million people, including 5 million children, have been displaced due to the relentless violence, with many still trapped in a conflict that has spanned over a year and a half. Recent data shows that 42,000 people were newly displaced in the early days of October, particularly in North Darfur, West Darfur, and Sennar states.
Sheldon Yett, speaking on behalf of UNICEF, emphasized the critical need for timely assistance to prevent further loss of life and mass starvation. She highlighted the challenges posed by flooding and damaged infrastructure, making road access increasingly difficult, while river crossings have become nearly impassable.
The conflict, which has spread to 14 of Sudan’s 18 states since mid-April 2023, continues to devastate the nation and its surrounding region. A staggering eight million Sudanese have been internally displaced, with over two million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
