Sudan Famine Risk: Counties Facing Crisis – Global Issues
- The food security situation in Sudan has deteriorated considerably in 2025, with millions at risk of famine due to the ongoing civil war.
- More then two years of conflict have devastated infrastructure and livelihoods, leaving many Sudanese without access to basic services.
- A joint press release from the WFP,UNICEF,and FAO on June 12 highlighted the dire situation in upper Nile State,were intensified conflict has disrupted aid deliveries and decimated food...
Millions in Sudan face a deepening hunger crisis, wiht the ongoing civil war pushing the nation toward widespread famine. This article dives into the grim reality, revealing that an astounding 24.6 million people are acutely food insecure, and hundreds of thousands are battling severe hunger. Upper Nile state counties are among the hardest hit, where famine risk is soaring. aid efforts are significantly hampered by the intensifying conflict and substantial funding shortfalls, making the situation even more precarious. The security of humanitarian personnel is also severely threatened. Learn more from reputable sources, which News Directory 3 curates. how can the world help? Discover what’s next …
Sudan’s Hunger Crisis Deepens Amid Civil War
Updated June 16, 2025
The food security situation in Sudan has deteriorated considerably in 2025, with millions at risk of famine due to the ongoing civil war. Humanitarian experts are calling it the world’s worst hunger crisis.
More then two years of conflict have devastated infrastructure and livelihoods, leaving many Sudanese without access to basic services. The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that 24.6 million people, half the population, are acutely food insecure. Approximately 638,000 face the most severe levels of hunger globally.
A joint press release from the WFP,UNICEF,and FAO on June 12 highlighted the dire situation in upper Nile State,were intensified conflict has disrupted aid deliveries and decimated food sources. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that nearly 85% of people in Upper Nile State counties face emergency hunger levels.
Nasir and Ulang counties are especially vulnerable, experiencing increased displacement and projected famine due to armed clashes and airstrikes sence March. Around 32,000 people in these counties are experiencing catastrophic hunger,a threefold increase from previous estimates.
“Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director in South Sudan.”It tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiraling upward.” She emphasized the need for peace and safe access for aid teams to prevent famine.
The areas surrounding Khartoum State, the center of the conflict, have also seen a meaningful decline in food security. WFP’s Country Director in Sudan, Laurent Bukera, described “widespread destruction” in Khartoum and surrounding areas, with high famine risks.
Bukera noted a cholera outbreak and lack of access to water, healthcare, and electricity. He described Jabal Awliya, south of Khartoum, as having intense levels of hunger and desperation.
Bukera also expressed concern about displaced civilians returning to damaged areas, complicating relief efforts. The WFP aims to reach 7 million people monthly,prioritizing those facing famine or extreme risk.
Funding shortfalls have worsened the crisis, limiting access to lifesaving nutritional supplies. The number of children in South Sudan at risk of acute malnutrition has risen to 2.3 million.Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s country representative in South Sudan, emphasized the need for continuous and scaled-up services to prevent and treat malnutrition.
Despite accessibility challenges, the UN is assisting over 4 million people monthly, a four-fold increase from early 2024. Restrictions have eased in previously unreachable areas like Khartoum, facilitating aid delivery.
Tho, the stability of relief efforts remains fragile. Bukera said the WFP urgently needs $500 million for emergency food and cash assistance for the next six months. The upcoming rainy season is expected to strain resources further, with flooding increasing disease risks and infrastructure damage.
The security situation for aid personnel is also deteriorating. Bukera cited escalating attacks on humanitarian personnel, including a recent strike on a WFP-UNICEF convoy. He also noted the killing of aid workers in Zamzam camp in April.
The WFP, FAO, and UNICEF joint report emphasized that a lasting cessation of hostilities is crucial for a sustainable solution. Areas with lower violence have shown improvements in food security, linked to better crop production and smoother humanitarian operations.
What’s next
Continued international support and a lasting peace agreement are essential to address the escalating hunger crisis in Sudan and prevent further suffering.