Children Already Dying in Sudan’s Stricken Zamzam Camp: WFP
Geneva, February 28, 2025 (12:00 GMT) – The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning, stating that children are already dying from malnutrition in Zamzam camp, a sprawling settlement in Sudan’s Darfur region, marking a descent into a humanitarian catastrophe of unimaginable scale. The WFP’s statement, released today, paints a harrowing picture of a camp overwhelmed by displacement, disease, and chronic food shortages, leading to a rapidly escalating crisis that threatens to consume vulnerable populations.
Unfolding Tragedy in Zamzam:
Zamzam camp, initially established to house internally displaced people (IDPs) during previous conflicts, has seen its population swell dramatically in recent months due to ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The escalating violence has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, seeking refuge in already overcrowded and under-resourced camps like Zamzam.
According to the WFP, the situation in Zamzam is particularly alarming. Limited access due to security concerns and logistical challenges is hampering aid delivery. Coupled with soaring food prices and the collapse of basic services, the camp is teetering on the brink of widespread famine.
“We are receiving reports that children are already dying in Zamzam,” stated a WFP spokesperson in Geneva. “These are not just statistics; these are precious lives being lost to hunger and disease. The situation is catastrophic, and we fear that without immediate and significant intervention, we will witness a tragedy of unimaginable proportions.”
Contributing Factors to the Crisis:
Several factors are contributing to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zamzam:
- Ongoing Conflict: The primary driver of the crisis is the continuing conflict between the SAF and RSF. The fighting has disrupted agricultural activities, destroyed infrastructure, and forced mass displacement, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.
- Disrupted Supply Chains: The conflict has severely impacted supply chains, making it difficult to transport food and essential supplies to areas in need. Road closures, insecurity, and bureaucratic obstacles are all contributing to the disruption.
- Collapsed Infrastructure: The conflict has decimated Sudan’s already fragile infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, water systems, and sanitation services. This has led to a surge in disease outbreaks, further weakening vulnerable populations.
- Economic Crisis: Sudan was already grappling with a severe economic crisis before the current conflict. High inflation, unemployment, and poverty have been exacerbated by the fighting, making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities.
- Limited Humanitarian Access: Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges accessing areas affected by the conflict, particularly in Darfur. Security concerns, bureaucratic hurdles, and restrictions on movement are hindering their ability to deliver aid to those who need it most.
Specific Concerns Highlighted by the WFP:
The WFP statement specifically highlighted several areas of concern:
- Malnutrition Rates: The WFP reports that malnutrition rates in Zamzam are alarmingly high, particularly among children under five. Severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the deadliest form of malnutrition, is reaching crisis levels.
- Disease Outbreaks: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a lack of clean water have led to a surge in disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles, and malaria. These diseases are particularly deadly for malnourished children.
- Food Insecurity: The vast majority of the population in Zamzam is facing severe food insecurity, with many families forced to skip meals or rely on unsafe coping mechanisms.
- Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation: Access to clean water and sanitation is severely limited in Zamzam, increasing the risk of disease and undermining hygiene practices.
- Protection Risks: The chaotic conditions in the camp have created a breeding ground for gender-based violence, child abduction, and other protection risks.
Calls for Urgent Action:
The WFP is urgently calling for the following actions:
- Immediate Ceasefire: A cessation of hostilities is essential to allow humanitarian organizations to access affected populations and deliver aid safely.
- Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: All parties to the conflict must guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas in need, including Zamzam camp.
- Increased Funding: The international community must provide increased funding to support humanitarian operations in Sudan.
- Prioritization of Food Security: Food security must be prioritized in the humanitarian response, with a focus on providing nutritious food to vulnerable populations.
- Strengthening of Healthcare Services: Healthcare services in Zamzam and other affected areas must be strengthened to address the surge in disease outbreaks and provide treatment for malnutrition.
- Protection of Civilians: All parties to the conflict must protect civilians and ensure their safety and security.
International Response:
The news of the deteriorating situation in Zamzam has sparked renewed calls for international action. Several countries and organizations have pledged additional funding and support, but the scale of the crisis requires a much larger and more coordinated response.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss the situation in Sudan. Humanitarian organizations are urging the Council to take concrete steps to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.
Looking Ahead:
The future for the people of Zamzam camp, and for many Sudanese caught in the crossfire of this brutal conflict, remains bleak. Without a significant improvement in the security situation, a massive influx of aid, and a sustained commitment from the international community, the crisis in Zamzam is likely to worsen, leading to further loss of life and suffering. The world is watching, and the clock is ticking.
Children already dying in Sudan’s stricken Zamzam camp: WFP
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