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The Crisis of Hunger in Sudan: A Story of Despair and Resilience
Omdurman, Sudan — The ravages of civil conflict have turned Sudan into a landscape of dire hunger, impacting millions across the nation. As the conflict deepens, soup kitchens emerge in urban areas such as Omdurman, a city of two million, where not only the underprivileged but also previously comfortable professionals find themselves reliant on daily food handouts.
Among those in line for these meals is Mohammed Hamad, an electrical engineer who once flourished in his career. Now, like countless others, he struggles to find work amidst the chaos of war, leading to a profound sense of helplessness as he tries to support his family.
“We rely on God and aid,” Hamad shared, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many. Currently, his family receives one meal a day from a soup kitchen, feeding not only his wife and four children but also his deep emotional wounds. “It breaks my heart. I can’t provide food or even medicine if they are sick,” he lamented. His wife’s recent lung infection exemplified the added burden of not being able to afford transportation to a medical facility.
The kitchen delivering these critical meals has largely relied on international aid, dominating the landscape of food distribution. However, nearly 80% of these vital soup kitchens closed shortly after former President Trump’s administration halted U.S. foreign aid, significantly escalating the humanitarian crisis.
This aid reduction has severely impacted hospitals still trying to function amid the conflict. Al Noa Hospital, the largest facility operating in Omdurman, is situated about 12 miles from the front lines in Khartoum. Lacking funds, the hospital depends on external sources for meals, often providing only rice and lentils to patients. During a recent visit, overwhelmed conditions prompted makeshift tents to be erected outside to accommodate the surge of patients, many being treated on the floor due to a severe bed shortage.
Leading the medical staff amidst these challenges is Dr. Jamal Mohammad, who continues to deliver care despite the scarcity of essential supplies like painkillers and medical equipment. He addressed the impact of U.S. aid cessation, expressing concerns over the potential worsening of suffering among the Sudanese population. “We are the forgotten war,” he remarked.
Former U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, Jesseye Lapenn, voiced alarm over the aid cuts, stating that U.S. support has been critical to showcasing American values and interests abroad. She stressed that characterizing aid as merely charity undermines its strategic importance in fostering relationships worldwide.
The United Nations has urgently sought $6 billion in emergency funding to address the escalating hunger crisis, significantly higher than previous estimates. Cindy McCain, head of the U.N. World Food Program, has called Sudan the epicenter of a severe hunger crisis, emphasizing that humanitarian services are nearing collapse. “The global community must act now — lives depend on it,” she stated, highlighting the immediate need for action.
In the face of these overwhelming adversities, hospitals like Al Noa continue to function, driven by the determination of healthcare workers. Dr. Mohammad, once a leading orthopedic surgeon, has been operating without pay since the onset of war. He now performs multiple surgeries each day, including that of a ten-year-old boy, Akram Atlan, who was injured by shrapnel while playing with friends.
As Dr. Mohammad prepped for surgery, he reflected on his transformation from a doctor with a private practice to a dedicated humanitarian. “It’s my oath… To save lives,” he expressed, embodying both resilience and hope for Sudan’s future amidst the ongoing turmoil.
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