Sudan: Nearly half a million people lose lifesaving services as funding runs out

Nearly 473,700 people across Sudan have lost access to lifesaving health care, nutrition support, clean water and protection services after U.S. funding ended in July and bridge funding sourced by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) ran out, according to a press release issued by the IRC on October 1, 2026, from Nairobi, Kenya. The funding collapse has forced the closure of 36 health facilities, 29 nutrition centers, 8 Women and Girls Safe Spaces and 6 child-focused safe spaces. Three and a half years into the conflict, 33.7 million people in Sudan need humanitarian aid, while diseases such as cholera continue to spread. The IRC is urging donors to urgently fill the funding gap. Without new resources, more services reaching displaced families risk collapse.

Sudan is the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 9 million people displaced inside the country as the war continues well into its fourth year. The IRC’s response covered Blue Nile, Al Jazirah, River Nile, White Nile, Khartoum, West Darfur and North Darfur states. Services reached displaced people, returnees and host communities. Support included health care, nutrition treatment, clean water, sanitation and protection. Nearly 20 million people face food insecurity and famine conditions across the country.

The health and nutrition closures will hit hardest in Darfur, where malnutrition rates are already among the worst in Sudan and famine conditions have been confirmed in parts of the region. There, 14 facilities and mobile clinics provide care to an average of 16,900 patients and 6,381 young children a month. That care will disappear just as needs are spiking. IRC teams have begun transitioning service provision, including a water system supplying 24,000 liters a day to a returnee camp, to other responders. However, most services are not confirmed to continue.

“We have spent over 3 years watching what happens when the world looks away from Sudan,” said Mohammed Mahdi, IRC Director for East Sudan.

He warned that teams are being forced to close the doors on people who have nowhere else to turn. The end of water and sanitation support is a particular concern as cholera continues to spread. Losing safe water, sanitation and hygiene programs for more than 100,000 people increases the risk of the disease taking hold. Overcrowded displacement sites face heightened exposure.

Families in Tawila, North Darfur, an area that received thousands of displaced people from besieged El-Fasher last year, will also lose cash assistance for food, shelter and water. Until today, the cash served as a safety net, helping households avoid harmful coping steps such as skipping meals or removing children from school. Sudan’s humanitarian response plan for 2026 remains just 42.8 percent funded. A substantial gap remains in the resources needed to reach the 14 million people still displaced within Sudan and across its borders. The IRC urges donors to commit urgently to closing the shortfall before more lives are lost.