Sudan Emergency
What is happening in Sudan?
Three years on from the start of the war in April 2023, Sudan is now one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, as more than 33 million people are reliant on humanitarian aid. More than 9 million people have been forced to flee their homes and live in camps where conditions are abysmal, also making this the world’s largest displacement crisis.
It is estimated that more than 150,000 people have been killed, but the actual number is likely much higher as fatalities are believed to be under-reported and the number of people who die from hunger, disease and lack of basic services rise daily.
Communities are reporting horrific violence such as the mass rape of women, and civilians being enslaved or buried alive.
This brutal conflict has destroyed critical infrastructure and livelihoods, with 47% of the working age population now unemployed, as the economy collapses. Meanwhile, more than 7 million children have had their education disrupted.
Diseases like malaria, measles and cholera more recently are rife. Around three-quarters of hospitals in conflict-affected areas are no longer operational, leaving most people without access to healthcare.
Famine conditions are spreading
Fighting has spread to many key agricultural regions, which has devastated food production. Many farmers have told Islamic Relief staff that it is too dangerous to access their fields to plant or harvest crops, while trucks transporting food to markets are regularly looted.
- It is estimated that 25 million people in Sudan are being affected by famine.
- Food prices have increased by an estimated 83% in the past year – and more than doubled in many areas.
- 95% of displaced people say that the food that is available to them is unaffordable
Islamic Relief’s response in Sudan
Islamic Relief has worked in Sudan since 1984. It is now one of the most dangerous and difficult places to deliver humanitarian aid, with dozens of aid workers killed, offices looted and regular bureaucratic obstruction.
Despite the many challenges – including needing to relocate our main office several times as the violence has spread – we have delivered vital aid to more than 3 million people across the country during this crisis.
Our reach to date
Figures last updated on 10 July 2025
53,333
people accessed healthcare
11,457
water storage kits distributed
658,577
people received food aid
5,771
people received psychosocial support
2,935
dignity kits distributed
79,503
internally displaced families received cash assistance
36,224
farmers received agricultural support
2,898
hygiene kits distributed
1,520
tents erected for internally displaced people in Gedaref and Port Sudan
52
health facilities supported in Al Jazirah, Central Darfur, Gedaref and Sennar states
3,414
temporary shelter items distributed
16,820
people received clean water
Our commitment to the people of Sudan
We have worked in Sudan for 40 years, and will remain by the sides of families caught up in this horrific violence.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our efforts in the country.