The UN Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the updated plan will target urgent needs over the next three months, focusing on food, healthcare, water, and sanitation, shelter, and protection services. The implementation of the revised plan requires an estimated $120 million in funding.
The expansion comes amid warnings from humanitarian partners of a rising spread of diseases such as cholera, measles, and malaria in Tawila, El Fasher, and Kabkabiya. The outbreak is fueled by the near-total collapse of the health system in Darfur. According to OCHA, over 32 medical facilities have closed due to persistent insecurity, while the shortage of medical supplies and ongoing internet outages have severely hindered disease surveillance and emergency response.
“The critical shortage of surgical supplies, essential medicines, and vaccines is pushing the health system to the brink of collapse,” said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric from New York. He stressed that thousands of civilians are unable to access life-saving care.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to claim lives. official reports confirmed the death of 17 displaced individuals last week, who perished from thirst and dehydration after their vehicles broke down in the desert during an attempted escape.
OCHA further reported sharp price increases in South Darfur’s markets. The economic strain is exacerbated by the flooding of raids and seasonal rivers flowing from Chad and Northern State, disrupting the flow of essential supplies to affected communities.
In a related development, the UN expressed “deep concern” over the surge in violence in Kordofan, following drone strikes that targeted fuel markets in Al-Foula and Abu Zabad, killing five civilians and injuring others.
The UN has reiterated its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and aid workers, and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance across conflict lines and borders. The international body emphasized the urgent need for increased global support to meet Sudan’s mounting humanitarian needs.
Adding to the urgency, the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees has raised alarms about a sharp rise in cholera cases in Tawila, where 945 infections and 8 deaths have been confirmed. Currently, 185 patients remain under treatment. The outbreak is linked to a critical lack of drinking water and sanitation services, compounded by the ongoing rainy season.
The spokesperson for the coordination body warned of delayed health interventions in Tawila, which hosts one of the largest displacement centers in Darfur. In addition, 97 cholera cases have been reported in Kalma camp, including 26 deaths, signaling the disease’s alarming spread among vulnerable populations.
As Sudan grapples with war, displacement, and disease, humanitarian actors continue to urge decisive international action to prevent further loss of life and stabilize the worsening crisis.
