The increase in aid comes after a large-scale effort launched by WFP to address the growing humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict that erupted in April 2023.
October marked a record month for WFP 2.8 million people across Sudan received food, cash and nutritional assistance – the highest monthly total since the start of the conflict.
Reach famine hotspots
WFP is targeting 14 famine hotspots, including under siege in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Gezira.
Despite unstable and dangerous conditions, aid has reached areas such as Zamzam, Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps in North Darfur and internally displaced people (IDP) communities in Central and South Darfur.
In West Darfur’s Kereneik and Sirba, food assistance has reached thousands, providing a vital lifeline to communities facing the threat of famine.
Camp Zamzam in North Darfur, the only site globally that has one famine was confirmedhas become the focus of WFP’s efforts.
Since September, about 135,000 people in the camp received aid, with recent deliveries reaching 12,500 individuals.
Another convoy carrying aid to more than 70,000 people is currently on its way through the Adre border crossing in Chad, although deteriorating security conditions pose ongoing challenges.
Navigate conflict zones
WFP has significantly increased food assistance, sent four times more aid in November than in September. However, conflict continues to disrupt vital supply routes.
Fighting in Um Rawwaba, North Kordofan, forced a convoy going to North and South Kordofan to return to safety. These supplies are now being delivered to accessible areas.
In South Darfur, a convoy originally intended for Zamzam camp was diverted to Kalma Camp due to insecurity, providing aid to nearly 15,000 people.
Cross-border operations from Chad remain important. However, increased violence along these corridors is increasing risks to humanitarian workers and supplies.
Expanded cash-based support
WFP has also increased cash assistance, helping more than two million people in Sudan this year – 10 times more than in January.
Cash transfers and documents are important in areas where physical access remains limited, although Sudan’s ongoing liquidity crisis continues to hamper operations.
Race against time
As conflict rages and humanitarian needs increase, WFP is racing to adapt and expand assistance to the 1.7 million people in Sudan facing famine or at risk of famine.
The conflict in Sudan has created one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, with millions of lives at stake as the fighting shows no signs of abating.
