Geneva – The United Nations Development Program reported that about half of Sudan’s population faces food insecurity, and the threat of famine looms over much of the country.
This came in a report by the programme, on Tuesday, regarding the social and economic impacts of the ongoing civil war in Sudan on the people.
The report indicated that the 19-month civil war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan had a severe impact on the people.
He pointed out that “nearly half of Sudan’s population, or about 26 million people, are currently facing food insecurity, and the threat of famine looms in a large part of the country.”
He stated that the number of internally displaced people in Sudan exceeded 11 million people, stressing that the ongoing conflict had a serious impact on this situation.
He explained that nearly half of Sudan’s urban population faces moderate to severe food insecurity, and that only 20 percent of urban families are food secure.
He reported that the rate of access to health services in the country was 78 percent before the civil war, and this rate decreased to 15.5 percent after it.
Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been fighting a war that has left more than 20,000 dead and more than 13 million displaced and refugees, according to estimates by the United Nations and local authorities.
UN and international calls are mounting to end the war in order to spare Sudan a humanitarian catastrophe that has begun to push millions into famine and death due to food shortages due to the fighting that has spread to 13 out of 18 states.
It is noteworthy that the United Nations Development Program is the United Nations network for global development, and it is an organization that calls for change and linking countries with knowledge, expertise and resources with the aim of helping people build a better life.
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### Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Food Security Expert
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Carter. Thank you for joining us today. The situation in Sudan is alarming, as we have just learned that about half of the population is facing food insecurity. Can you share your thoughts on why a formal famine declaration hasn’t been made yet?
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a critical situation. A formal famine declaration typically requires specific criteria to be met, such as the rate of mortality, acute malnutrition levels, and the availability of food. While experts believe that conditions in Sudan meet these criteria, political considerations and logistical challenges often complicate the declaration process.
**Editor:** That’s very interesting. Can you elaborate on what those political considerations might entail?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. Often, governments may be hesitant to declare a famine for fear of international repercussions. It could impact funding, create instability, or draw further attention to an already fragile situation. Additionally, there are conflicts of interest within different political factions that can influence how such crises are reported and managed.
**Editor:** Given the ongoing civil war and the humanitarian crisis, what are the implications for the people living in Sudan during this time?
**Dr. Carter:** The implications are dire. The ongoing civil war has not only disrupted food production but has also hindered the distribution of aid. With food insecurity affecting nearly half of the population, we are seeing increased malnutrition, especially among children. The longer this crisis persists without adequate intervention, the more severe the consequences will be for their health and survival.
**Editor:** What actions can the international community take to address this situation more effectively?
**Dr. Carter:** The international community must prioritize equitable access to food and humanitarian aid. This includes facilitating safe passage for aid organizations to deliver essential supplies and lobbying for cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian efforts to reach affected populations. Additionally, raising awareness and resources for the crisis will be crucial in mobilizing support.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insightful analysis. Let’s hope that the situation in Sudan improves soon and that urgent actions are taken to support those in need.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for highlighting this critical issue. It’s important that we keep bringing attention to the plight of the Sudanese people.
