More than two years have passed since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since April 2023, the humanitarian situation – already deeply concerning – has deteriorated dramatically.
The escalation of conflict in Sudan in April 2023 resulted in a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. The displacement in Sudan is recognised as the largest displacement crisis in the world, with 14.5 million people displaced (10.5 million as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and nearly four million across borders into neighbouring countries, including Egypt, South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, Central African Republic and others).
Hunger has reached catastrophic levels, with over half the population struggling to access food daily. 54% of people in Central Darfur are facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity conditions, 48% in East Darfur, 73% in North Darfur (the highest figure for any state in Sudan), 58% in South Darfur, and 57% in West Darfur (IPC 24/12/2024).
The health system in Sudan is collapsing and the capacities of neighbouring countries are straining under the refugee crisis. One of the immediate consequences of conflict is the urgent need for medical care. In situations of instability and crisis, healthcare services, medical facilities, and health personnel are often targeted or unable to meet the overwhelming demand for assistance. Around 80% of medical facilities are either non-functional or have been forced to shut down due to ongoing hostilities.
The shortage of medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, further exacerbates the crisis. The lack of medicines means that treatable diseases and infections go unattended, while chronic conditions remain unmanaged. In emergencies like the one unfolding in Sudan, humanitarian organisations like INTERSOS must not only respond swiftly on the ground but also navigate significant logistical and security challenges that could otherwise delay the delivery of life-saving assistance.
In cooperation with Action Medeor, Airlink, and ShutterBox, medical supplies and basic necessities were shipped from Germany to the North of the Darfur region in the first part of 2025, for the displaced population who found shelter in various parts of the region, especially the area around the town of Tawila.