New York(The COW News Digital) The United Nations has issued a stark warning that Sudan is heading toward one of the world’s most severe food crises, with more than eight million people expected to require urgent food assistance during 2026. The crisis is being driven by prolonged conflict, large-scale displacement, and the collapse of essential health and nutrition services across the country.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), humanitarian needs in Sudan are continuing to rise at an alarming pace. The agency estimates that over 8.4 million people will need food aid in 2026, reflecting a significant deterioration in living conditions compared to previous years. OCHA officials say current ground assessments indicate that the situation is likely to worsen unless immediate and sustained international support is mobilized.
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Children and women are expected to bear the brunt of the crisis. UN data shows that nearly five million children under the age of five will be among those requiring food assistance. In addition, more than 3.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are projected to suffer from a combination of malnutrition and limited access to basic healthcare services.
The report further warns that severe acute malnutrition is becoming increasingly widespread. Across Sudan, an estimated 4.2 million children and women are likely to face acute malnutrition during 2026. Of particular concern is the condition of young children: more than 824,000 children under the age of five are at risk of suffering from the most life-threatening form of severe acute malnutrition.
Humanitarian agencies attribute the deepening crisis to ongoing armed conflict, which has disrupted food supply chains, destroyed livelihoods, and forced millions of people to flee their homes. The breakdown of healthcare infrastructure has also reduced access to nutritional treatment, vaccinations, and maternal care, further compounding the risks for vulnerable populations.
The United Nations has urged the international community to increase funding and support for humanitarian operations in Sudan, emphasizing that early intervention could prevent a catastrophic escalation. Aid agencies warn that without timely assistance, malnutrition rates could rise sharply, leading to preventable deaths, particularly among children.
As Sudan enters another year of instability, the UN stresses that coordinated global action is essential to address immediate food needs while also supporting longer-term solutions aimed at restoring stability, health services, and food security across the country.
