The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of escalating humanitarian needs in Sudan’s North Kordofan state, as prolonged conflict, mass displacement, and worsening economic conditions continue to put pressure on vulnerable communities, particularly in the city of El Obeid.
The warning comes amid growing food insecurity and malnutrition risks across Greater Kordofan, where conflict, displacement, drought and inadequate humanitarian funding are exacerbating an already dire situation.
In an alert issued on Oct. 12, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), of which WHO is a member, warned of a growing risk of famine across parts of Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan.
The alert highlighted severe shortages of food and clean water, limited access to healthcare and increasing vulnerability to disease and malnutrition.
WHO said it was supporting Sudan’s health and nutrition response, including the treatment of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and efforts to contain disease outbreaks.
Between January and August 2026, the organisation supported the treatment of more than 26,000 children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications through assistance to 161 operational nutrition stabilisation centres nationwide.
Lately, WHO has called for increased humanitarian funding and sustained access to affected areas to expand essential health, nutrition, and hygiene services and prevent further deterioration.
