Sudan conflict: Lifesaving healthcare and nutrition for women and children

CARE and UNICEF are working together to help people access medical services. About 1.1 million people in eastern and western Sudan who have lost their homes due to conflict are getting help from CARE’s health program. About 20% of the the people being helped are malnourished children under five.

CARE provides vital support to individuals like Fatima, Hanan, and many others who have struggled to access medical services due to financial constraints.

“Last week, I went to the CARE clinic in Al Karama serving displaced population,” says Fatima. “All medical services are free. The doctor prescribed some medications and tests. Today, I am here for a follow-up.”

Similarly, Hanan, who was six months pregnant and constantly fatigued, lacked the means for medical care. “Without money, I couldn’t see a doctor,” she says. Exhaustion is etched on her face. “Fortunately, I found help at CARE’s free clinic in our IDP gathering point. The doctor gave me some vitamins. After a few weeks, my fatigue improved, and I felt much better.”

The urgent fight against malnutrition

Beyond the healthcare crisis, the collapse of infrastructure has led to a worsening malnutrition crisis, especially among children and mothers. Sudan is currently grappling with a severe malnutrition crisis. About 3 million children under five are affected annually, including over 610,000 cases of severe malnutrition. Nutrition surveys show critical malnutrition levels of 13.6%, far above WHO emergency thresholds in most areas. This places Sudan among the countries with the highest global rates of critical malnutrition.

In Kassala, Gadarif, South Darfur, and East Darfur, CARE provides vital health and nutrition services, including primary and reproductive health care and immunizations. Children, adolescents, and women access these services through static and mobile clinics during and after emergencies.

“My 18-month-old daughter was always sick. Her tiny body weak from constant diarrhea and her face pale with exhaustion. Thankfully, a CARE health volunteer identified her condition and advised us to visit the nearby nutrition center,” says Hawa, a mother of three from Kassala.

“After weeks of treatment and special food supplements, my daughter regained weight. I’m so relieved to see her healthy and walking steadily now. I feared losing her, as many children in our area have succumbed to malnutrition,” she adds.

Ebtisam, who works in the CARE office in Kassala, explains the situation like this: “Droughts and floods deepen poverty, worsening malnutrition among children, mothers, and pregnant women. To address this, we’ve trained community health volunteers to screen for malnutrition.”

“These volunteers go door-to-door measuring mid-upper arm circumference, providing vitamin A supplements, distributing Plumpy Nut [high-nutrient food supplement], and referring severe cases to treatment centers,” she adds.

Healing the invisible wounds: Support for mental health

Physical survival aside, the emotional toll of the conflict is immense. Families are separated, and women face particularly difficult challenges when displaced, often embarking on dangerous journeys alone. Losing their income and everything they owned leaves deep emotional scars, and everyone is dealing with trauma.

“The constant upheaval and fear take a significant toll on mental well-being,” explains Amal, a psychotherapist at the Al Karama gathering site in Kassala.

“I experienced long nights without sleep, constantly thinking about our difficult journey from Khartoum to Gezira, then to Gadarif, and finally to Kassala,” says Nada, 27. “We faced many dangers, particularly as women who were often targeted.”

“Talking to the psychotherapist at the Al Karama gathering site and joining group sessions has helped my anxiety,” she adds.

“We provide support to help these women manage stress, trauma, and other psychological issues they’re experiencing,” Amal explains.

Children, too, are deeply affected by this conflict. “We’ve created a safe space where children can feel secure and move past their distressing experiences of conflict and displacement,” Amal says. “Here, they can play safely and participate in activities that help relieve stress and process trauma.”

Urgent needs and enduring hope

The Sudanese people continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges. Yet as healthcare systems crumble and malnutrition rates soar, their strength alone isn’t enough.

With nearly 13 million displaced and healthcare needs growing daily, the situation demands immediate and sustained action.

“Every donation provides not just medicine and nutrition, but something equally vital – dignity and hope for families determined to rebuild their lives despite unimaginable odds. This support is not just aid, but a vital investment in the potential of a nation determined to heal, and to hope. Your support can save lives today—providing healthcare, nutrition, and hope for families in desperate need,” says CARE Sudan Country Director Abdirahman Ali.