Sudan faces severe crisis as millions lack food, shelter, IOM says

October 26, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with millions of people experiencing extreme unmet needs in food, shelter, and healthcare after more than two years of war, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a report.

The U.N. agency’s 2025 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, based on over 24,400 household interviews, details the devastating impact of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The fighting has created the world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis, forcing over 14 million people from their homes. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are the most affected, with 33% of their households experiencing extreme levels of need, compared to 27% of host communities.

The report detailed a catastrophic collapse of basic services across the nation. The education sector has been hit hardest, with two-thirds of households unable to meet their needs and 58% of children out of school.

Food insecurity is driving the crisis, with over 24 million people facing acute shortages. Nearly half of all households, 45%, lack adequate shelter, a figure that is worse for IDPs, of whom only a quarter live in solid housing while 30% reside in makeshift shelters.

The country’s health system has disintegrated, with over 70% of facilities no longer functioning, leaving one in five households without access to necessary care. Access to clean water and sanitation is also severely limited, the report found, with 22% of households facing unmet water needs and 18% lacking adequate sanitation.

Epicentres of the crisis

The crisis is most acute in conflict zones like North Darfur, West Kordofan, and North Kordofan. Famine has been declared in parts of North Darfur, where food consumption for nearly all households in some localities is rated “poor”.

Movement restrictions compound the suffering, with 35% of IDPs unable to move freely, primarily due to fear for their safety.

The report also highlighted severe protection failures, including widespread child labour and a lack of official documentation for 43% of IDP households, which prevents access to services.

The findings underscore an urgent need for a major increase in localised humanitarian aid to restore essential services for millions of people, the IOM said.