UK charity says Sudan in dire need of more aid, urges support
July 22, 2024 (MANCHESTER) – A Manchester-based humanitarian aid charity, Human Appeal, has called for increased support for Sudan amid the country’s ongoing 14-month war, which is having devastating humanitarian consequences.
The charity, in its estimation, says $2.4 billion is urgently need in Sudan to support displaced communities with food, sanitation, shelter, healthcare and water.
According to aid agencies, since the conflict broke out in April 2023, Sudan now has the largest internally displaced population on record, with 7 million people uprooted and an estimated 13.4 million in need of humanitarian assistance,
Of these, however, 26% are reportedly women and a staggering 48% are children.
The most immediate needs for the Sudanese people are food, sanitation, shelter, healthcare and water. Driven by the prolonged conflict, economic instability and unprecedented effects of the climate such as droughts, floods and irregular rainfall patterns, over 9.8 million are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, whilst 27 million people are in urgent need of sanitation and shelter.
“What we are witnessing in Sudan is a tragedy of devastating proportions. Displaced communities are in urgent need of support to protect them from life-threatening illness, starvation and lack of water. Human Appeal has been on the ground in Sudan for 32 years, but there is a need for much more support from communities and governments,” said Owais Khan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Human Appeal.
He added, “We hope that the incumbent UK Minister for International Development, Anneliese Dodds, will also do more to address the Sudan crisis in the coming months.”
Equally, due to the lack of funding and medical infrastructure, there is a widespread shortage of medical equipment, meaning the Sudanese people face deadly outbreaks of malaria and cholera.
Currently operating in Khartoum, the Northern State, Sennar, Blue Nile and North Kordofan, the UK-based charity entity calls on the public and governments to act to urgently support the people of Sudan and provide life-saving aid.
(ST)