WFP Expands Emergency Food Assistance in Sudan Amid Famine Threat

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is urgently ramping up its emergency food and nutrition support in Sudan, as the nation faces the increasing threat of famine amid ongoing conflict. The escalation of violence in areas such as El Fasher and Khartoum has led to a rapid deterioration of living conditions for civilians. The WFP plans to extend its assistance to an additional 5 million people by the end of the year, effectively doubling its initial target for 2024. This expansion comes in response to the deepening hunger crisis in Sudan and the neighboring countries, which have become refuge for millions fleeing the conflict. Michael Dunford, WFP’s Regional Director for Eastern Africa, highlighted the widespread hunger and malnutrition gripping Sudan, emphasizing the urgency of scaling up assistance to mitigate what could become the world’s largest hunger crisis. Despite the magnitude of the crisis, global attention and support have been lacking. Since the conflict’s onset in April 2023, WFP has already provided aid to over 6.7 million people across all 18 states of Sudan. However, to continue its life-saving efforts through the year, WFP urgently requires over $200 million. The agency remains committed to its mission of saving lives in emergencies and fostering recovery and stability in the aftermath of conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts.