Aid agencies need $2.6bn to support people hit by Sudan war
October 9, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Humanitarian organization require $2.6 billion to provide assistance and protection services to 18.1 million people in Sudan, the United Nations said.
As of August 31, according to the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) said, only $676.9 million or 26.4 per cent of the required $2.6 billon was so far received.
The ongoing fighting in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has reportedly displaced more than 5.5 million people, including over 1 million individuals to neighbouring countries.
The conflict has resulted in devastating consequences for civilians, with more than 4.2 million people said to have been internally displaced across the country.
“Many others have been cut off from access to basic services in Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan states. Prices of food commodities, when available, continue to soar,” OCHA said in its latest update.
The protection of civilians remains a key concern, with reports of increased sexual and gender-based violence as well as reports of family separation and child recruitment, it further stressed, adding “Access to health continues to be hampered by the ongoing conflict”.
Last week, a new report warned of the disintegrating health systems under the weight of the fighting raging in the country since mid-April amid threats of possible collapse should the war that has displaced millions continues.
Titled, Destruction, disruption and disaster: Sudan’s health system amidst armed conflict, the report extensively examines the destruction, disruption as well as the disastrous consequences inflicted upon Sudan’s health system.
According to the report, the ongoing conflict has led to the severe compromise of healthcare facilities, with only a third of hospitals in conflict zones operational.
Artillery attacks, forced militarization, power outages, and shortages of medical supplies and personnel have further crippled the health system, it stressed, adding that exodus of health workers and escalating violence have worsened the crisis.
“Disrupted service delivery has resulted in the interruption of essential health services, including obstetric care, emergency services, and dialysis,” it stated.
Also highlighted is the notion that financial losses to the health system are estimated at $700 million and is now impacting an already underfunded sector.
Concerns have been raised on destruction of the health infrastructure in Sudan.
At least 24.7 million people or half of the Sudanese population now require humanitarian assistance and protection as the conflict, displacement, and disease outbreaks threaten to consume the entire country, aid agencies said.
(ST)