Sudan faces its second year of civil war due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Before the conflict, Sudan was already facing a humanitarian crisis caused by long-term political and economic instability. This year, Sudan was at the top of the list of countries in need of humanitarian assistance due to the escalation of conflict, mass movement of people, and the health care crisis in Sudan.

The Ongoing Civil War

The power struggle between the SAF and the RSF has created division within the country, with the SAF controlling the eastern regions and the RSF controlling the cities of Khartoum and the west. Foreign involvement also further intensified the Civil war, with the UAE and Chad supporting the RSF and Russia supporting and supplying weapons to the SAF. This rivalry and divide create an opportunity for a fractured Sudan with foreign-backed factions, like the Militia warfare in Libya.

Therefore, the ongoing civil war in Sudan has created a need for urgent international attention and humanitarian aid. The World Food Program (WFP) states that this conflict has made “the world’s largest hunger crisis.” Sudan’s situation has impacted millions and has quickly become the largest displacement crisis.

More than 25 million people across Sudan and its neighboring countries, South Sudan and Chad, struggle to find stability, food and shelter. According to the U.N., around 14,000 people have been killed and double that have been injured. More than 3 million refugees have fled the war since April 2023, and more than 8 million are internally displaced.

Poverty and War

Due to the ongoing conflict, food insecurity has become an extreme issue for the Sudanese people. More than 755,000 people face famine-like hunger, and famine on a larger scale could become a reality. In Sudan, 70% of the population relies on agriculture and livestock; however, many of these areas are used as grounds for fighting due to the conflict, according to the British Red Cross.

According to the WFP, 90% of people in need of humanitarian assistance and facing hunger are stuck in isolated areas inaccessible to the WFP. Authorities revoked permission for trucks to cross the borders to reach Sudan which further disturbed the distribution of humanitarian aid. Therefore, thousands of people in Darfur are struggling with hunger and malnutrition.

Health Care Crisis and Human Rights in Sudan

This deadly conflict has completely deteriorated Sudan’s already vulnerable health care system, limiting people’s access to medical attention and essential resources. More than two-thirds of hospitals in conflict zones are out of service, while the remaining are facing closure due to medical supply shortages, limited funding and staff.

Targeted attacks on hospitals and health care workers have prevented injured patients’ including women and children, from receiving medical attention and help. Hospitals in Sudan lack food, water and medicine. This health care crisis in Sudan limits civilians’ access to essential health care services and basic human necessities. Physical and verbal violence against staff has also increased and many people cannot receive medical help due to pressure from external groups.

Moreover, displacement and people’s urgent need to flee have severely impacted the Sudanese population. The lack of health care, water and sanitation led to the spread of various infections and waterborne illnesses. An outbreak of measles has caused the death of more than 1,000 children across the country, while diseases like cholera continue to spread, with around 8,000 confirmed cases, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

Overcrowded shelters also increase health risks for vulnerable groups. Families struggle due to high food prices, inadequate shelter and limited medicinal care for people with chronic illnesses. Children also lack access to education due to the severity and distress of the conflict. concerns over sexual violence and public safety are also rising. The UNHCR calls for urgent civilian protection and safe access to aid and shelter.

Solutions

In response to increasing needs, many organizations are contributing to humanitarian efforts in Sudan despite the security and political barriers limiting humanitarian assistance in the country. UNICEF is working to provide essential services for children, including nutrition, education and safe water. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provides medical aid, equipment, and urgent surgical procedures for injured civilians.

In addition, Save the Children is working to provide children with psychological support and primarily focus on child protection. At the same time, Doctors Without Borders runs emergency medical projects in conflict zones, offering treatment for malnutrition, vaccine programs and trauma care.

Conclusion

The health care crisis in Sudan has reached critical levels, with most hospitals out of service or struggling to operate amidst the war. Hospitals and health care facilities are short on staff and supplies but face continuous attacks, making them difficult to access and limiting health care treatments. The displacement of people also makes it difficult for people to access basic needs like water and medicine, increasing the risk of sickness and diseases. Many humanitarian organizations are working to provide medical aid, food supplies and shelter. However, urgent international efforts are necessary to support Sudan’s health care system and ensure its people’s safety and security.

– Gufran Elhrari

Gufran is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash