WFP and Republic of Korea partner to save lives in war-torn Sudan

By World Food Programme

WFP and Republic of Korea partner to save lives in war-torn Sudan

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan welcomes a flexible contribution of US$ 1.5 million from the Republic of Korea. This vital funding will enable WFP to provide critical food and nutrition assistance to war-ravaged communities facing severe hunger in Sudan. This flexible contribution will also allow WFP to respond as the crisis evolves nimbly and quickly, where and when needs are the most acute.

The support from the Republic of Korea arrives at a critical juncture, as the conflict in Sudan has triggered the world’s largest hunger crisis and famine has been confirmed in parts of North Darfur.

“As we are urgently scaling up assistance across Sudan to prevent famine from spreading, this contribution will enable us to save lives and stop widespread starvation and malnutrition. We are incredibly grateful to the Republic of Korea for this support and for standing in solidarity with the Sudanese people,” said Mr. Eddie Rowe, WFP Sudan Representative and Country Director.

Over 25 million people, more than half the population, are currently experiencing acute food insecurity, of them 755,000 in catastrophic conditions (IPC5). Famine has been confirmed in Zamzam camp, located in the conflict-ridden North Darfur region, with 13 other areas across Sudan – including parts of Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Gezira – facing a similar risk. The ongoing war has exacerbated the situation, as millions struggle daily to secure enough food.

“Severe hunger is widespread in Sudan. The Korean government has been making continuous contributions to stand with the Sudanese people in their difficult time of need. I hope our contribution will provide essential and urgent relief amid the devastating situation caused by the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan,” said H.E NAMGUNG Hwan, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sudan.

WFP remains committed to delivering life-saving food assistance to communities across Sudan, with an immediate focus on providing emergency aid to 14 regions in Sudan where people are either facing famine or are on the brink of it after more than 500 days of relentless conflict.

WFP is planning to scale up its operations to reach up to 8.4 million people by the end of 2024. So far in 2024, WFP has provided food and cash assistance to nearly 4.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and other vulnerable populations across Sudan.

With the Republic of Korea’s generous contribution, WFP will be able to sustain and expand its critical food assistance operations, providing a lifeline to thousands of people enduring the devastating effects of conflict and hunger.