Sudan War and Climate Change Drive Child Malnutrition Crisis
IPC projects 825,000 children under five will suffer severe acute malnutrition in 2026, a 7% rise from 2025
In Brief
- •IPC projects 825,000 children under five will suffer severe acute malnutrition in 2026, a 7% rise from 2025
- •UNICEF and partners treated 174,700 children with severe acute malnutrition nationwide in the first six months of 2026
- •Port Sudan Teaching Hospital recorded 433 malnutrition cases between January and August 2026, with three children per bed in a 17‑bed unit
- •The civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has been ongoing since April 2023, intensifying food insecurity
- •Families face high costs for intravenous fluids and medication, adding to economic hardship
Why It Matters
The convergence of war, economic collapse, and climate‑driven food shortages is creating a humanitarian emergency that threatens the survival of millions of children in Sudan. Overcrowded hospitals and limited access to essential nutrition and medical care heighten the risk of disease spread and long‑term developmental deficits. International aid agencies are under pressure to scale interventions amid ongoing conflict and resource constraints.
Key Details
- Projected Severe Acute Malnutrition (under 5)
- 825,000
- IPC Increase
- 7% increase from 2025
- UNICEF Treatment (Jan‑Jun 2026)
- 174,700
- Port Sudan Hospital Cases (Jan‑Aug 2026)
- 433
- Hospital Bed Capacity
- 17‑bed malnutrition unit
- War Duration
- since April 2023
Context & Background
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, exacerbating food insecurity and health crises.
Original Reporting & Sources
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