Charity reports alarming birth rate in conflict-ridden Sudan region

Sudanese Children Born into Conflict-Prone Conditions

According to official data, 5.6 million births have taken place in Sudan since the start of the conflict in April 2023. This translates to approximately 5,000 children being born daily in a country where millions are facing food insecurity. Save the Children has reported that these children are often born in overcrowded shelters, under-equipped or damaged health facilities, or while their families are on the move.

The conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began on April 15, 2023, following a rivalry between the two leaders. The fighting has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced over 12 million people, and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Both sides have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The World Health Organization has verified over 200 attacks on health facilities since the start of the conflict, resulting in more than 2,000 fatalities. Additionally, up to 80 percent of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are no longer operational due to shortages of supplies, medicine, staff, and fuel. The rate of maternal deaths during childbirth has increased by over 12 percent.

Save the Children’s country director, Mohamed Abdiladif, stated that attacks on healthcare facilities “severely and permanently” affect mothers’ and newborns’ access to essential care. He emphasized the need for all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and allow access to reach families in urgent need of assistance.

Source: Al Jazeera