The ongoing civil war in Sudan has led to extreme hunger and poverty. Soup kitchens, once funded by USAID, are shutting down due to aid suspension. Hospitals face overwhelming patient loads and resource shortages as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Medical personnel, such as Dr. Jamal Mohammad, continue to fight for survival despite dire conditions. The UN appeals for emergency funding to support millions facing hunger in Sudan.
In war-torn Sudan, the scourge of hunger has taken a grave toll, particularly among the impoverished population caught in conflict zones. Soup kitchens have emerged in urban areas, such as Omdurman, as professionals struggle to survive. Muhammad Hamad, an electrical engineer, exemplifies this plight, voicing his despair over his inability to support his family amid the economic collapse caused by civil war, stating, “We rely on God and aid.” While these soup kitchens offered one meal a day, many families struggle to meet basic needs, relying on charity for survival.
Critical aid previously provided by U.S. funding has ceased since the suspension of USAID by former President Trump. Soup kitchens that supported both families in need and under-resourced hospitals have shuttered, leaving the most vulnerable populations without essential support. The Al Noa Hospital, the largest functioning hospital in Omdurman, remained operational but overwhelmed with patients. Due to resource shortages, doctors treat individuals on the floor, showcasing the dire healthcare crisis exacerbated by war and aid withdrawal.
Dr. Jamal Mohammad, leading medical efforts at the Al Noa hospital, criticized the cessation of U.S. support, emphasizing the heightened suffering it causes. He lamented, “I don’t know what’s behind that decision of President Trump, but I think it’s going to increase and deepen the suffering of our people. We are the forgotten war.” Former U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, Jesseye Lapenn, reiterated the significance of U.S. assistance, viewing it as a representation of American values in global relations. She warned potential fallout from aid withdrawal could damage U.S. respect and interests in the region.
The economic vacuum left by USAID’s absence poses risks for Sudan, with countries like the U.A.E., Iran, and Russia potentially vying for influence amid the crisis. The United Nations urgently called for $6 billion to address the extreme hunger crisis now faced by millions, with Cindy McCain from the World Food Program underscoring the urgency of humanitarian action as Sudan suffers from unprecedented hunger levels.
Despite these challenges, aspirations remain among Sudan’s medical staff, like Dr. Mohammad, who continues to save lives notwithstanding the significant personal losses endured. He performs multiple surgeries daily and remains committed to his patients, viewing his effort as a moral obligation: “It’s my oath. To save lives.” His dedication offers a glimmer of hope to those delimited by war and strife, signifying the resilience of the human spirit against adversity.
The crisis in Sudan, especially regarding the cessation of USAID support, has precipitated a profound humanitarian emergency. The testimonies of individuals such as Muhammad Hamad reveal widespread desperation among families unable to secure food and medical care. The challenges faced by hospitals illustrate a severe lack of resources exacerbated by ongoing conflict. As the threat of hunger mounts, the need for international aid becomes even more critical. However, dedicated medical professionals like Dr. Jamal Mohammad continue to embody hope, committed to saving lives against overwhelming odds.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
