Assessment Report Press Release: Crisis in Northern State, Sudan

Nutritional Concerns Amid Conflict and Displacement

In the face of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Northern State, Sudan, critical nutritional support services are under significant strain. The necessity for stabilization care—a crucial treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM)—is currently restricted to Halfa Hospital. This limitation is particularly alarming, given the identification of eight cases of SAM in January 2024 alone. The scarcity of such essential services underscores an urgent requirement to broaden the availability of stabilization care to effectively address and manage the nutritional needs of the affected population beyond the singular capacity of Halfa Hospital.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Challenges

The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure faces severe challenges, notably at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) gathering points. The accepted minimum standard during medium- to long-term crises is a ratio of one toilet per 20 individuals. However, an assessment reveals that over 61% of IDP gathering locations do not meet this essential requirement, posing a significant risk to public health and dignity. Specifically, the Angash Mosque, accommodating 147 individuals, two-thirds of children under 13, has an alarming ratio of 13.6% of the minimum standard, with only one toilet available. Moreover, the town park in Almuntazah, which houses 1,580 IDPs, reports the lowest ratio, with only four toilets available, standing at 5.1% of the standard minimum. This inadequate sanitation infrastructure significantly heightens the risk of waterborne diseases among the displaced populations, demanding immediate intervention to improve WASH facilities.

Vulnerability of Displaced Children

The assessment further highlights the heightened vulnerability of children within the IDP communities. Children under the age of 13 constitute 40% of the IDP population in hosted communities and 19% at IDP gathering points. This demographic breakdown underscores the critical need for targeted support and protective measures to safeguard the well-being and future of these young individuals amidst the crisis.

The current situation in Northern State, Sudan presents a complex challenge requiring coordinated efforts from local authorities, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies to address the urgent needs of the affected populations. Immediate actions to enhance nutritional support services, improve WASH infrastructure, and protect vulnerable children are imperative to mitigate the impacts of the crisis and pave the way for sustainable recovery and resilience building.

Full report here: https://sapa-usa.org/sapa-northern-state-assessment-feb-2024/