Report on Famine Conditions in North Darfur - Sudan

Date: November 6, 2024

In Al-Fashir, North Darfur, displaced residents face a severe humanitarian crisis due to ongoing violence that disrupts humanitarian aid delivery. Zamzam & AbusAbushouk Camps, the largest in the region, shelters approximately 600,000 displaced individuals, many of whom were displaced since the conflict began in April 2023. It is estimated that 30% of children in the camp suffer from acute malnutrition, while 33% of pregnant and lactating women are malnourished. In August 2024, conditions in Zamzam Camp were classified as "Phase 5" of famine, an extremely critical stage. These harsh conditions may also extend to nearby Abu Shouk and Al-Salam camps.

Despite the World Food Program (WFP) supporting around 32,000 people between March and June 2024, aid supplies remain limited due to access restrictions, conflict-related obstacles, and floods that have damaged infrastructure and worsened health and nutrition conditions in the camps. Over 25.6 million people in Sudan face hunger, with 755,000 in catastrophic conditions requiring urgent intervention to save lives.

The situation in Al-Fashir reflects a broader hunger crisis across Sudan, currently one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Conflict has paralyzed the delivery of aid to the most affected areas.

Population Distribution in North Darfur Camps:

1. Zamzam Camp:

- Total population: Approximately 600,000 displaced individuals

- Women: 45-50%

- Men: 20-25%

- Children: 50%

- Youth: 15%

- People with disabilities: 5-10%

- Lactating women: 33% of the female population

2. Abu Shouk Camp:

- Total population: Approximately 30,000 displaced individuals

- Women: 45%

- Men: 20-25%

- Children: 40%

- Pregnant and lactating women: 15-20% of the female population

3. Abu Jaa Camp:

- Total population: Approximately 25,000 displaced individuals

- Women: 50%

- Children: 40%

- Youth: 10%

- People with disabilities: 5-7%

- Lactating women: Up to 15% of the female population

4. Tawila Camps:

- Total population: Estimated 13,000 displaced individuals, though figures are not precise

- Women: 45%

- Children: 50%

- Men: 20%

- Youth: 15%

- Lactating women: 15-20% of the female population

Support and Services:

The camps are equipped with nine dedicated kitchens for food preparation and six emergency rooms spread across the camps to provide healthcare. However, the capacity of these facilities to meet the needs of the displaced population remains limited due to resource shortages and security challenges.