# Sudan Civil War and Drought Trigger Severe Child Malnutrition Crisis Conflict and climate-driven famine threaten hundreds of thousands of children across war-torn Sudan. - **Source:** [Al Jazeera English – All News](https://www.aljazeera.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d9b89a70-9fd6-443b-bc91-0b7b6158fcc1 ## Escalating Malnutrition Crisis Sudan faces a catastrophic health emergency as civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces enters its third year. Estimates indicate 825,000 children under five will suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2026. This represents a seven percent increase compared to the previous year's recorded figures. ## Hospital Overcrowding and Risks Medical facilities like Port Sudan Teaching Hospital are struggling to manage the influx of patients. The malnutrition unit, designed for seventeen beds, currently accommodates three children per bed due to extreme overcrowding. This density significantly increases the risk of disease transmission among vulnerable patients who are already fighting severe health complications. ## Impact of Climate Extremes The El Nino climate phenomenon has drastically reduced rainfall across Sudan, causing severe drought conditions. Nearly two-thirds of farmland in North Darfur and half in Kordofan report poor vegetation growth. This agricultural failure has decimated local harvests, leading to skyrocketing food prices and worsening hunger for families already displaced by conflict. ## Darfur Conflict Epicenter Darfur remains the primary epicenter of the ongoing conflict, suffering from two decades of instability. During the RSF siege of el-Fasher, at least 40,000 malnutrition cases were recorded between January and May 2025. The paramilitary group's control over the region has severely restricted humanitarian access, leaving millions of civilians in desperate conditions. ## Displacement Camp Vulnerabilities In the al-Karama 3 displacement camp, malnutrition cases rose from 1,800 in September to 2,116 by November. Over 7,600 children under ten reside in this camp, having fled military operations in western Blue Nile State. Families receive limited cash assistance, such as 620,000 Sudanese pounds, to cover basic survival needs amidst severe funding shortages. ## Disease and Sanitation Challenges Rising temperatures and seasonal changes have increased the prevalence of disease-carrying insects. Flies contaminate food and water supplies, while mosquitoes transmit malaria to already weakened children. The lack of reliable electricity and refrigeration prevents families from storing food safely, further exacerbating the risk of infections that contribute to rapid physical deterioration. ## Barriers to Medical Care Many families delay seeking professional help due to financial hardship and the high cost of intravenous fluids or medication. Medical directors note that parents often arrive only when malnutrition reaches an advanced stage. Limited nutrition awareness in rural communities, where diets rely heavily on basic flour and milk, complicates recovery efforts significantly. ## Urgent Humanitarian Outlook The combination of mass displacement, persistent conflict, and climate-driven drought creates a high risk of famine across Greater Darfur and Kordofan. While international organizations provide therapeutic supplies, the systemic collapse of infrastructure remains a critical hurdle. Without sustained humanitarian funding and improved access, the outlook for Sudanese children remains dire. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/11/7/sudan-war-and-climate-change-sees-parents-struggle-to-feed-their-children?traffic_source=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._