Sudan: Conflict intensifies near El Fasher as Zamzam camp faces severe malnutrition crisis; MSF urges immediate increase in humanitarian aid in North Darfur

MSF Responds to Escalating Crisis in North Darfur

In the midst of escalating fighting in North Darfur, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been working tirelessly to provide medical assistance to those in need. Over the past two weeks, MSF has treated over 100 war wounded patients, including 11 children with gunshot wounds, at South Hospital in El Fasher. However, the situation is becoming even more critical as MSF scales up its response to the major malnutrition crisis in Zamzam camp.

A rapid nutrition and mortality assessment conducted by MSF in early January revealed a catastrophic and life-threatening malnutrition crisis in Zamzam camp. Despite calling urgently for support in February, MSF remains almost the only international aid agency responding to this enormous crisis. The mass screening of over 63,000 children under-five, pregnant, and breastfeeding women in March and April confirmed the severity of the situation, with 30% of children and 33% of women found to be acutely malnourished.

Claire Nicolet, head of MSF’s emergency response in Sudan, describes the situation in Zamzam camp as an “acute disaster on a catastrophic scale.” With the lean season approaching and the fighting escalating, the need for international support is more urgent than ever. MSF has already opened a second health clinic, enrolled over 11,000 children in its nutrition program, and opened a 35-bed field hospital to treat critical cases.

Despite the challenges of providing humanitarian assistance in Sudan, MSF is calling for increased support and access for aid agencies to address the crisis in Zamzam camp. With the rainy season approaching, the swift delivery of aid is crucial to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. MSF urges the international community to take action to prevent the malnutrition crisis in Zamzam from turning into a catastrophe.