Children in Sudan Face Dire Consequences Amid Ongoing Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with children bearing the brunt of the violence and instability. Reports indicate that mothers like Khadija Abdullah are losing their children to hunger and malnutrition, as the Zamzam camp for displaced persons records alarming rates of food scarcity and health crises. Khadija's heartbreaking account of losing her 24-month-old child to diarrhea, attributed to hunger, highlights the dire situation faced by families in the region.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that approximately 4 million children under five years old are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, with 730,000 at risk of life-threatening severe acute malnutrition. The ongoing fighting has exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to reach children in need of assistance. Activists report that between three to four children die daily in the Zamzam camp due to malnutrition, despite the efforts of organizations like the World Food Programme, which provide limited nutritional support.
Psychological Impact of War on Children
The psychological toll of the conflict on children is profound. Many children in the camps exhibit signs of trauma, including withdrawal and fear of loud noises. Adam Rijal, a spokesman for the Darfur Refugee and Displaced Persons Camps Coordination Committee, estimates that around 2,000 children have died from malnutrition, but the true number may never be known due to the chaos of ongoing violence. The situation is compounded by the lack of access to healthcare, with the only functioning hospital in the area overwhelmed by cases of malnutrition and disease.
Nutritionist Faten Al-Kadhim emphasizes that the war has disrupted livelihoods and led to skyrocketing food prices, further deepening the crisis. The suspension of nutrition programs has resulted in increased mortality rates among children and vulnerable populations. Al-Kadhim calls for urgent humanitarian access and international support to alleviate the suffering of families affected by the conflict.
Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid and Ceasefire
Experts stress the importance of an early ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to address the urgent needs of families in Sudan. The psychological effects of displacement and violence are particularly severe for children, many of whom have witnessed traumatic events or lost family members. Social specialist Thuraya Ibrahim notes that the lack of privacy in overcrowded shelters exacerbates feelings of anxiety and discomfort among children, leading to behavioral issues.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community is urged to increase support for food, medicine, and healthcare to help mitigate the devastating impact of the conflict on Sudan's children.
