More than a dozen children die because of food shortages in Sudan camp – medics
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"Children in Sudan share a meager meal as food shortages worsen in displacement camps."
Sudan Famine Crisis: 13 Children Die from Starvation in East Darfur Camp
OMEGA TV UK- Thirteen children died last month at the Lagawa displacement camp in East Darfur, Sudan, due to a severe shortage of food, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The medical professionals working in the area described “deteriorating humanitarian conditions” and increasing malnutrition among the camp’s residents. The camp, located in el-Daein, shelters over 7,000 displaced people who have endured repeated attacks by armed groups.
Civil War and Its Impact on Aid
Sudan’s ongoing civil war, now in its third year, has devastated humanitarian operations across the country. The conflict between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has collapsed vital infrastructure, crippled the economy, and dismantled health and food supply systems. These failures have created an expanding hunger crisis and increased the risk of disease outbreaks.
Urgent Call for Humanitarian Intervention
In a statement on Tuesday, the Sudan Doctors Network called for urgent international assistance: “The network calls on the international community and humanitarian organisations to act immediately to provide food and basic healthcare to the camp’s residents, especially children and pregnant women.”
RSF Control and Health Threats in East Darfur
The region of East Darfur, where the Lagawa camp is located, is entirely controlled by the RSF. The power struggle between RSF and the army has not only escalated conflict but has also severely limited access to food and medical care. Aid organisations warn that conditions will continue to worsen unless humanitarian corridors are opened and assistance is delivered.
Spread of Famine and Disease in Darfur
Famine was first reported in Darfur in 2023 and has since spread to several other regions, including East Darfur. The hunger crisis is further compounded by health threats. The United Nations has confirmed a growing cholera outbreak in the city of Tawila, reporting over 1,500 suspected and confirmed cases since June. Poor water sanitation and low vaccination rates are contributing to the rapid spread of the disease.
Root Causes of Sudan’s Crisis
The current conflict erupted in April 2023 following a fallout between former allies—the army and the RSF—who had jointly seized power in a previous coup. Disagreements over transitioning to civilian rule led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Since then, tens of thousands have died, over 12 million have been displaced, and nearly a million are facing famine.
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