New Delhi: UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF urged immediate humanitarian access in Sudan as the agencies identified famine-like conditions in additional areas in North Darfur and the Western Nuba mountains. The statement by the UN agency shared details of the ongoing screening of children for malnutrition and extension of healthcare to those vulnerable in the region while expressing need to “avert what could become the worst hunger crisis in recent history”.
According to the latest Famine Review Committee (FRC) report and new projections from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine conditions are spreading in Sudan, with five areas – Zamzam, Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps in North Darfur, and in the Western Nuba Mountains for both residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) – now experiencing famine and a further five expected to join them by May.
The other five areas that are projected to experience famine conditions between December and May are Um Kadadah, Melit, El Fasher, At Tawisha and Al Lait in North Darfur, while 17 more areas are at risk.
In addition, the agencies warned that more than half of Sudan’s population – some 24.6 million people – are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.
The agencies warned that the situation in Zamzam camp, where famine was first confirmed in August, remains critical despite some humanitarian food assistance deliveries. Persistent violence and economic hardship have disrupted markets, displaced millions, and made staple goods unaffordable for most people.
“Without immediate, unhindered humanitarian access and urgent international support, famine risks spreading further in 2025, threatening the lives of millions of people, mainly children, and exacerbating what is already one of the world’s most severe food crises,” the statement added.
The FAO, WFP and UNICEF urge the international community to prioritize funding for humanitarian efforts in Sudan and to leverage diplomatic channels to secure a ceasefire and unrestricted access, the statement added.