In brief
The protracted civil war in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of thirteen children due to severe food shortages at the Lagawa displacement camp in East Darfur, according to medics from the Sudan Doctors Network. The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian catastrophe, including widespread malnutrition and rising cases of cholera. Calls for urgent international assistance have been made to help the affected population.
Thirteen children died last month from malnutrition caused by severe food shortages at a displacement camp in East Darfur, Sudan, as reported by medics from the Sudan Doctors Network. The organization highlighted the "deteriorating humanitarian conditions" in the Lagawa camp, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing civil war now in its third year. The conflict has devastated the country, collapsing its economy and social services. The camp, located in el-Daein and housing around 7,000 people, has faced repeated attacks by armed groups, aggravating the crisis.Famine conditions first emerged in Darfur last year and have now spread to multiple areas across Sudan. The Sudan Doctors Network issued a statement urging the international community and humanitarian organizations to take immediate action to provide essential food and healthcare to the camp's residents, particularly vulnerable children and pregnant women. El-Daein, the capital of East Darfur, is fully controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is currently engaged in a conflict with the army. This war has led to one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, with tens of thousands of civilians losing their lives, over 12 million displaced, and nearly a million facing famine-like conditions.In addition to food shortages, health authorities are warning of a cholera outbreak in Darfur, with cases significantly increasing in the city of Tawila, where 1,500 serious infections have been reported since June. The United Nations attributes the rising disease incidence to the breakdown of water and sanitation services and low vaccination coverage. The civil war's outbreak in April 2023 stemmed from the power struggle between the army and RSF, following their initial alliance during a coup aimed at establishing civilian governance.
