The ongoing violence in Sudan is escalating alarmingly, with numerous lives lost and children facing heightened risks from airstrikes, famine, and severe hunger. According to the United Nations, famine conditions have been reported in Zamzam camp, which is home to over 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The UN warns that similar conditions may soon spread to surrounding areas.

Sheldon Yett, UNICEF's representative in Sudan, highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on children, stating, “As the conflict continues unabated, we fear this horrendous pattern will persist.” The UN has emphasized that the violence not only claims lives but also significantly increases the risk of death from widespread disease outbreaks. The fragile healthcare system in Sudan is further deteriorating due to ongoing violence, exacerbating sanitation and hygiene issues.

Children are particularly vulnerable to diseases such as cholera, dengue, malaria, and measles. The UN reports that these outbreaks are affecting at least 12 of Sudan's 18 states, with over 600 cholera fatalities reported in August and September alone. In response, UNICEF has ramped up its vaccination efforts and dispatched a plane to Port Sudan carrying 1.4 million doses of oral cholera vaccines. The aim is to vaccinate over 1.8 million people in the hardest-hit states, including Gedaref, Kassala, and River Nile. Furthermore, more than 150 schools and hospitals have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict, prompting UNICEF to focus on restoring health facilities and improving access to clean water and sanitation.

The violence has displaced over 10 million people, including 5 million children, many of whom remain trapped in a conflict that has persisted for over a year and a half. Sheldon Yett reported that in the first few days of October alone, 42,000 individuals were displaced, particularly in North Darfur, West Darfur, and Sennar states.

Yett emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, stating, “We cannot give up hope for the Sudanese people, and we certainly can prevent many deaths and mass starvation if we get assistance to deliver to those who are trapped by conflict.” However, challenges such as flooding and road damage have hindered relief efforts, with some river crossings becoming impassable in recent months.

Since mid-April 2023, the conflict has expanded to 14 of Sudan’s 18 states, affecting the entire nation and the surrounding region. Approximately eight million Sudanese have been internally displaced, with over two million fleeing to neighboring countries in search of safety.