Four months after famine was first reported in Zamzam camp in Sudan’s North Darfur state, the crisis has worsened, spreading to more areas in North Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains.
Millions of people across Sudan are facing a severe lack of food and nutrition as the situation continues to deteriorate, according to warnings from the World Food Programme (WFP) and The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The latest findings from the Famine Review Committee and projections by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reveal famine conditions in at least five areas: Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al Salam camps in North Darfur, as well as the Western Nuba Mountains for both residents and displaced people.
The crisis is expected to extend to five additional areas in North Darfur by May 2025, including Um Kadadah, Melit, El Fasher, At Tawisha, and Al Lait. Alarmingly, 17 more areas across Sudan are at risk of famine during the same period.
More than 24.6 million people, over half of Sudan’s population, are now experiencing critical food insecurity. This includes 8.1 million people in “Emergency” conditions and at least 638,000 in the most severe phase, classified as “Catastrophe.” These figures paint a grim picture of escalating hunger and malnutrition during what should have been the harvest season, typically a time of relative abundance.
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted food production and distribution. Markets remain inaccessible in many regions, and essential goods cannot reach those in need due to violence and logistical challenges. Humanitarian organisations warn that without immediate and unrestricted access, famine could spread even further in 2025, endangering millions of lives, particularly children.
In Zamzam camp, where famine was first confirmed in August 2024, conditions remain dire despite some food aid deliveries. Violence and economic instability have pushed staple food prices beyond the reach of most families. Efforts to deliver aid are ongoing but are often hampered by the volatile and dangerous environment.
Looking ahead, the next hunger season is expected to begin earlier than usual, compounding the crisis. This period, which typically falls between harvests, will likely see heightened food insecurity unless immediate action is taken to stockpile and distribute supplies.
Areas such as Khartoum and Al Jazeera, already grappling with intense conflict, may also be experiencing famine conditions, though limited data prevents confirmation.
Humanitarian agencies are urging the global community to act decisively. There is an urgent need for funding and diplomatic efforts to secure safe access for aid delivery. Ensuring unrestricted humanitarian operations in regions classified as facing severe food insecurity is critical to preventing further loss of life.
The impact of the crisis is stark. “A protracted famine is taking hold in Sudan,” said Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at the WFP.
The statement reflects the severity of the situation, with people growing weaker from prolonged lack of food access. The WFP continues to deliver aid wherever possible, though the progress is fragile due to the unpredictable and dangerous conditions.
UNICEF, meanwhile, has focused on lifesaving interventions, particularly for malnourished children. Since the beginning of the year, 6.7 million children under five have been screened for malnutrition, and over 415,000 severely malnourished children have received treatment.
Despite significant operational challenges, UNICEF has expanded its nutrition programmes, working with local health facilities, mobile teams, and partner organisations.
Efforts by both agencies are ongoing, but the scale of the crisis demands more robust international support. As the conflict continues to displace millions and limit access to essential resources, the risk of famine becoming more widespread looms large. Without urgent action, Sudan’s food crisis could escalate further, leaving millions more at risk of starvation and malnutrition.
The humanitarian response has been remarkable given the constraints. WFP delivered food aid to over 800,000 people in famine-affected areas, with operations scaling up significantly in October.
UNICEF has similarly expanded its reach, integrating nutrition, health, and sanitation services to address the crisis comprehensively. However, these efforts must be matched by increased global support to prevent a full-scale disaster.
Sudan’s worsening famine is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict and the urgent need for sustained international intervention. The lives of millions hang in the balance, and time is running out to avert further catastrophe.
