In an interview with Vatican News, Adnan Hezam, the spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan, emphasized the critical need for increased humanitarian aid in the country.

Hezam urged the international community to remember the millions of Sudanese people struggling daily to meet their basic needs. He expressed concern that the conflicts in Sudan, Yemen, and Syria are becoming overshadowed by the wars in the Holy Land and Ukraine.

Sudan is facing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with nearly 10 million displaced people, only 20% of healthcare facilities operational, and a large portion of the population lacking essential supplies and food.

Over half of the population, approximately 25 million people, require urgent humanitarian assistance.

Of these, 17.7 million are experiencing hunger, with 4.9 million facing critical levels. The healthcare system is severely compromised, with almost 65% of the population lacking access to medical care.

The ICRC is actively working to address these issues by providing healthcare supplies and evacuating those trapped in conflict zones. However, the situation remains dire. Hezam highlighted the immense needs resulting from the conflict, including severe shortages of food and clean water. He noted that around 70% of healthcare facilities are non-functional, with those still operational critically short on supplies and personnel.

Hezam called for the international community to support humanitarian organizations working on the ground to provide relief and protection. He stressed the importance of remembering the Sudanese people's suffering and their urgent needs amid the escalating conflict.

Hezam also pointed out that the conflict has led to mass displacement, with millions seeking safety in neighboring countries. The situation continues to worsen, with increasing displacement and insufficient resources to meet the needs of the population.

Hezam described visiting places for the displaced, where multiple families are forced to live, cook, and sleep in single classrooms, illustrating the dire conditions. The healthcare system's capacity to respond to the population's needs is critically inadequate, with only 20% of facilities functioning.

Since the conflict began in April of the previous year, the ICRC has scaled up its operations, providing surgical supplies and medical instruments to functioning hospitals to help injured people and patients. The ICRC also collaborates with the Sudanese Red Crescent to distribute food and non-food items.

However, the organization faces significant challenges, including limited access to conflict-affected areas.

Hezam appealed for access to these areas to effectively carry out humanitarian missions, emphasizing the need for respect for international humanitarian law. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to ensure that people in their territories can meet their essential needs, including access to food and water, and unobstructed humanitarian aid.

Finally, Hezam expressed hope that Sudan would not be forgotten amid other global crises. He appreciated media platforms that continue to focus on Sudan, Yemen, and Syria, despite the dominant coverage of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.