The war began on 15 April 2023 with fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and it quickly spread to large parts of the country. As a result, more than 11.3 million people have been displaced and health, water and electricity infrastructure has been severely damaged. Sudan is currently facing one of the world's largest displacement and hunger crises. The United Nations (UN) has reported that drone strikes have disrupted the supply of electricity, water and fuel, making it difficult to deliver aid. In the fourth year of the war, the need for humanitarian aid has increased further due to the drought caused by El Niño. According to UN data, 33.7 million people are currently in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has been operating in Sudan since the start of the civil war and has reached 5,279,249 people to date. The foundation also delivers aid by sea and has sent a total of 353 containers in 11 shipments, nine of which were carried out in collaboration with various civil society organisations.

Sudan Records Lowest Rainfall in 30 Years

El Niño is defined as a climate phenomenon resulting from prolonged above-average warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. While the phenomenon causes flooding and heavy rainfall in some parts of the world, it leads to drought in others. In Sudan, which has been affected by El Niño, the lowest rainfall in over 30 years was recorded nationwide during the July–September rainy season.

IHH’s Work in Sudan

The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has been providing aid in the areas of food, water, shelter, hygiene, health, and social support in Sudan since the start of the civil war. As part of the foundation’s food aid efforts, 1,065,596 hot meals and 181,305 food packages were distributed. In addition, 311,564 kilograms of red meat, 278,890 kilograms of flour, 856,426 packages of pasta, 153,926 packages of refined pasta, 179,384 liters of oil, 74,192 kilograms of rice, 55,920 kilograms of red lentils, 27,880 kilograms of dried beans, 26,380 kilograms of bulgur, 20,000 kilograms of sugar, 10,850 kilograms of chickpeas, and 4,825 kilograms of green lentils were delivered to those in need. In addition, 30,959 boxes of cookies, 29,227 cans of tomato paste, 22,032 cans of tuna, 89,446 jars of jam, 73,668 packages of instant soup, 6,859 packages of halva, and 124,295 kitchen supplies were distributed. As part of the water distribution efforts, 3,445,400 liters of drinking water were delivered, and 96,000 kilograms of bread wheat seeds were distributed to support agricultural production.

Shelter and Hygiene Assistance

In terms of shelter and basic necessities, the following items were distributed: 3,245 tents; 3,400 tarpaulins; 68,487 blankets; 17,071 rugs; 3,808 mats; 1,008 roll-up mattresses; 843 foam mattresses; 707 pillows; 24 comforters; and 2,000 non-food item (NFI) kits. Additionally, 710,298 items of clothing, 108,401 pairs of slippers and 26,377 pairs of shoes were delivered to those in need. To support hygiene efforts, 166,692 packages of sanitary products, 98,116 nappies for children and adults, 188,040 packs of washing-up liquid, 84,633 packs of laundry detergent, 48,770 packs of wet wipes and 12,960 bottles of shampoo were provided.

In collaboration with the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), IHH is also distributing non-food essential item (NFI) kits to families in need in Sudan. As part of this project, aid kits containing kitchen sets, water containers, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and solar lamps are being delivered to families in the Jebel Awlia (Cebel Evliya) region of Khartoum. The kits, provided by the IOM, have been distributed to 2,000 families in Khartoum and Kessele.

Health and social support initiatives

As part of IHH’s health initiatives, 4,542 people received medical examinations and 30 individuals underwent cataract surgery. A total of 1,210 medication aid packages were distributed, along with 125 patient blankets, two wheelchairs and eight strollers. Additionally, 10 tuk-tuk transport vehicles were provided. Under the social support programme, cash assistance was provided to 13,439 people and 6,386 orphans were enrolled in the sponsorship programme.

To provide support

To support those in need in Sudan through IHH, you can donate 50 TL by texting “SUDAN” to 3072, or 240 TL by texting “SUDAN” to 4072. Those wishing to donate more can do so online through the IHH website or by transferring funds to IHH’s bank accounts, specifying “SUDAN” in the descriptions.

IHH continues its relief efforts for people affected by war and drought in Sudan.