As the conflict in Sudan approaches the year-and-a-half mark, we call upon the member states at the United Nations General Assembly to prioritize urgent, concrete solutions to end the war, safeguard civilians, and ensure the swift delivery of lifesaving humanitarian aid.

Since April 2023, the devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has forced millions of innocent civilians to flee their homes, resulting in over 12 million Sudanese displaced. Among them, more than 10 million remain within the borders of Sudan, enduring unbearable conditions. This represents the largest displacement crisis in the world today, and it demands immediate global attention and action.

Sudan is also grappling with a series of interlinked crises: intense rainfall, widespread flooding, deadly disease outbreaks—particularly cholera—and the unrelenting effects of displacement due to the conflict. The war has also created a manmade hunger crisis, with famine and food insecurity spreading across the country at an alarming rate. These combined factors are rapidly exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation, leaving millions of vulnerable people at risk.

The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) has been at the forefront of the humanitarian response since the conflict began, working tirelessly to provide care, support, and advocacy for the millions of people affected. Our operations span across Sudan, with a network of over 15 healthcare facilities and 5 emergency care centers delivering critical health services. Every month, our teams provide lifesaving care to more than 20,000 people, addressing a wide range of needs from surgical interventions and emergency care to primary health services.

In addition to medical services, SAPA offers psychosocial support to help individuals cope with the emotional trauma of the conflict. We also partner with local organizations to conduct emergency food distributions, ensuring vulnerable communities have access to basic necessities.

However, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming, and our efforts alone are not enough to meet the immense needs. Despite our relentless work, we urgently need international support to continue and expand our life-saving operations. The future of millions of Sudanese depends on it, and we are calling on the global community to stand with us in this critical moment.

Our message is clear:

• Secure a ceasefire and end external interference fueling the conflict: Civilians will remain under threat as long as this war continues. Member states must exert greater pressure on the warring parties to negotiate an immediate end to the violence. All forms of external support—whether political, financial, or military—must be cut off, as these external influences are fueling the conflict and prolonging the suffering of innocent civilians. Without decisive action to halt this interference, the violence will only escalate.
• Protect healthcare facilities and workers: In the midst of this conflict, healthcare facilities and workers have been repeatedly targeted, exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people. We call on the international community to ensure the protection of medical institutions and humanitarian workers, safeguarding their ability to deliver critical care without fear of attack. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure must stop, and those responsible must be held accountable.

• Build local health solutions for long-term resilience: As we work to address the immediate needs, it is crucial to focus on building resilient, locally-led healthcare solutions in the areas affected by the conflict. The war has devastated Sudan’s healthcare system, making it more important than ever to empower local health workers, rebuild health infrastructure, and invest in community-based healthcare services. This not only ensures more effective delivery of care but also strengthens local capacity to respond to future crises. Member states must support initiatives that equip Sudanese health providers with the necessary tools and training to sustain essential services, reduce reliance on external aid, and build a self-sufficient health system that can weather the ongoing conflict and future emergencies.

• Provide more support: Member states should use UNGA as an opportunity to close the funding gap, ensure pledges are delivered, and find ways to get more aid to the most vulnerable in Sudan.

• Build meaningful partnerships with Sudanese: Partnerships with Sudanese-led organizations and civil society must be prioritized to deliver support today and long-term peacebuilding successes in the future.

The future of millions of Sudanese depends on our collective action. An entire generation is on the brink of extinction. We are counting on you to prioritize the safety and dignity of the Sudanese people.

About SAPA: The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) is a not-for-profit, scientific professional, non-partisan, and humanitarian membership-based organization established in January 2019 for physicians of Sudanese descent living and working within the United States to provide support networking, education among physicians within the United States as well as collaboration with and emergency aid to physicians and healthcare organizations in Sudan and abroad.

Since the war broke out in 2023, SAPA has been at the frontlines, providing lifesaving aid to vulnerable populations across Sudan and Eastern Chad.