After three years of conflict, humanitarian needs in Sudan are extreme. In a small village where Action Against Hunger works, many women like Eisa* have gone months without being able to guarantee even a daily meal for their families. “We suffer greatly because we have nothing to feed our families.”
Eisa’s experience reflects the reality facing millions across the country. More than 33 million people in Sudan, over half the population, now depend on aid to survive in what has become the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world.
*Eisa’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
A famine declaration is only issued in the most extreme food crises. Of the three famines declared worldwide, two were in Sudan in 2025, in El Fasher and Kadugli. Several other parts of the country are also at high risk of famine in the coming months.
“More than 21 million people are suffering from acute hunger in the country,” said Samy Guessabi, Country Director of Action Against Hunger in Sudan. “This situation is a direct consequence of the conflict, which is destroying markets, disrupting harvests and blocking trade routes and the delivery of humanitarian aid.”
Sudan is also experiencing the world’s largest displacement crisis. Nearly 14 million people have been forced from their homes, including more than 9 million displaced within the country and 4 million who have fled to neighbouring countries, like Chad and South Sudan.
These figures are double those of other major displacement crises, including Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Yemen.“It’s not just about the numbers,” explains Guessabi. “Families are forced to move repeatedly, which disrupts treatment, limits access to food and healthcare and increases the risk of gender-based violence.”
At the same time, basic services have collapsed across large parts of Sudan.
Around 80 per cent of health centres and 60 per cent of water systems are not functioning in conflict zones. Making matters worse, humanitarian access remains constrained by insecurity, active conflict, administrative barriers, and difficulties with physical access. The funding gaps are also severe — the humanitarian response requires US$2.87 billion yet is currently only 16 per cent funded.
Since the conflict began on April 15th, 2023, Action Against Hunger has supported nearly two million people in Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile, White Nile and Red Sea. We continue to provide health services, treatment for malnutrition, cash assistance, access to safe drinking water, sanitation services and awareness-raising on sexual and gender-based violence.
As the conflict enters its third year, Action Against Hunger urgently calls for an end to hostilities, protection for civilians, safe humanitarian access, and increased funding to meet the overwhelming needs faced by countless Sudanese people.
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Sudan’s Hunger Crisis: Full Report
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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