KHARTOUM / Adel Abdel Rahim / Anadolu

The United Nations announced Sunday that 825,000 children under the age of five will suffer from acute malnutrition due to the conflict in Sudan, "putting them at risk of death if they do not receive timely treatment."

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening due to the war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, ongoing since April 2023, over a dispute about unifying the military institution, which has left tens of thousands dead and nearly 13 million displaced.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed in a report seen by Anadolu the worsening malnutrition crisis in Sudan, with children across the country facing increasing risks as the conflict continues and displacement and hunger expand.

The report added: "The situation of children in Sudan remains among the worst globally, with millions of children affected by violence, disruption of basic services, and increasing humanitarian needs."

It continued that estimates indicate that "about 825,000 children under the age of five will suffer from severe acute malnutrition during 2026, putting them at risk of death if they do not receive timely treatment."

The report noted that in conflict-affected areas, including parts of North Darfur State (west) and the Kordofan region (south), "children remain deprived of basic services and humanitarian assistance."

It pointed out that "many children face severe shortages of food, safe drinking water, and healthcare, increasing the risk of malnutrition and disease, while ongoing violence, family separation, and displacement expose them to increased protection risks."

The report added: "Access restrictions and insecurity continue to limit the availability of services and the ability of families to seek help. In many areas, humanitarian presence remains limited, leaving the most vulnerable children without life-saving support."

On July 4, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned of expanding food insecurity and sustained acute hunger among 19.5 million Sudanese until early next year.

It confirmed that acute malnutrition levels have exceeded famine thresholds in some areas of North Darfur, and that 14 areas in North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan states face the risk of famine if hostilities escalate and restrictions on humanitarian aid and the movement of goods and people continue.

On July 10, the World Health Organization said Sudan is currently the world's largest humanitarian crisis, "with more than 33 million people in need of assistance, including 21 million needing health services."