Looting of medical supplies in Sudan puts thousands of children at risk
UNICEF said the loss of these supplies puts over 2,000 children at risk, worsening an already dire situation for families trapped in conflict.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the looting of life-saving humanitarian supplies from Al Bashair Hospital in Jabal Awlia, Khartoum, warning that the act has endangered thousands of malnourished children and expectant mothers.
The stolen supplies reported on Friday included at least 2,200 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a critical intervention for children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).
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UNICEF said the loss of these supplies puts over 2,000 children at risk, worsening an already dire situation for families trapped in conflict.
Al Bashair Hospital was among the last functioning medical facilities in Jabal Awlia. Its looting has compounded the humanitarian crisis, as access to food, medicine, and aid has already been blocked for more than three months due to fighting along key routes.
Thousands of civilians remain trapped in the conflict, and over 4,000 people have been forced to flee within Khartoum.
“Stealing life-saving supplies meant for malnourished children is outrageous and a direct attack on their survival,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“These unconscionable acts against vulnerable children must end. All parties must adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.”
Famine
According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) update, Jabal Awlia is among 17 areas facing a risk of famine.
UNICEF warned that the loss of these supplies is catastrophic for more than 100,000 acutely malnourished children.
The stolen iron and folic acid supplements were intended for 6,000 pregnant and lactating women, while midwife kits and primary healthcare supplies could have supported over 132,980 mothers, newborns, and children in an area where medical services are already scarce.
The supplies were delivered on December 20, 2024, marking the first successful humanitarian shipment to Jabal Awlia in over 18 months.
However, the worsening security situation has now forced a suspension of humanitarian operations, leaving children at even greater risk.
Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than 24.6 million people, over half the population, experiencing acute food insecurity.
The collapse of health services, school closures affecting 17 million children, and record displacement levels have further deepened the crisis.
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