As Sudan faces the world’s largest hunger crisis, Action Against Hunger, with vital support from Global Affairs Canada, is scaling up its humanitarian response to address catastrophic levels of food insecurity, malnutrition, and gender-based violence.
After over two years of conflict, Sudan is grappling with a devastating humanitarian catastrophe. Today, more than 30 million people, nearly two-thirds of the country’s population, require humanitarian aid. Over 11 million people have been displaced within Sudan’s borders, while over 3 million others have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.
The hunger crisis is equally dire: between December 2024 and May 2025, 24.6 million people in Sudan were projected to face severe food insecurity, and 3.2 million children under five are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2025. Famine has already been declared in parts of North Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains, with more areas at risk.
Healthcare systems have largely collapsed. In the hardest-hit areas, over 70 to 80 percent of hospitals and health facilities remain non-operational. Pregnant women and young children often cannot access lifesaving care. At the same time, women and girls face increased risks of sexual violence and exploitation, and nearly 12 million people are at risk of sexual, and gender-based violence.
As the crisis in Sudan deepens, the Government of Canada has provided $3 million to Action Against Hunger to support more than 400,000 people in the country’s most vulnerable communities.
Thanks to this critical funding from Global Affairs Canada, Action Against Hunger will deliver life-saving assistance across five hard-hit areas in Central Darfur and South Kordofan. The response puts the most vulnerable people first, focusing on displaced families, women, adolescent girls, and young children, by addressing urgent health, nutrition, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene needs while upholding their dignity and rights.
“This is one of the most devastating humanitarian crises we’ve seen in recent years,” said Onome Ako, CEO of Action Against Hunger Canada. “Immediate access and the rapid delivery of food and essential services are critical to preventing further catastrophe. We are incredibly thankful for this vital support from the Government of Canada and for the compassion of Canadians who continue to stand with communities in urgent need.”
“Breaking the cycle between conflict and hunger is key to stopping the spread of famine and building long-term food security in Sudan. Since the conflict began, Action Against Hunger has reached over 816,000 people with lifesaving health and nutrition support, but the needs remain urgent. We are deeply grateful to Global Affairs Canada for their continued support,” said Samy Guessabi, Action Against Hunger’s Country Director in Sudan.
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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