Sudan remains one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, with 30.4 million people in need, including 7.3 million women of reproductive age and over 726,000 pregnant women requiring urgent care. Widespread conflict across Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum has decimated health infrastructure — more than 80 per cent of facilities in conflict-affected areas are non-functional — while sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war. Civilians trapped in besieged cities such as El Fasher face catastrophic conditions as supplies dwindle and maternity hospitals come under attack. Ongoing displacement, return movements, and growing food insecurity have created a volatile mix of risks, particularly for women and girls who struggle to access emergency obstetric care, contraception, or protection from violence.
Despite these immense challenges, UNFPA continues to serve as a lifeline. Between January and September 2025, UNFPA and partners reached more than 667,000 women and girls with life-saving reproductive health and protection services. Thirteen mobile health teams delivered essential care in hard-to-reach areas, and 75 women- and girl-friendly spaces provided psychosocial support, case management, and dignity kits to tens of thousands. UNFPA supported 47 health facilities, distributed 220 reproductive health kits to meet the needs of over 34,000 people, and provided cash and voucher assistance to 12,500 women for safe deliveries and access to GBV services. Community protection networks, vocational training, and awareness sessions strengthened resilience and helped reduce exposureto violence and exploitation.
However, funding constraints have reached a breaking point. Of UNFPA’s US$145.7 million appeal for 2025, only 35 per cent has been funded, leaving a US$95.4 million gap. This shortfall has already forced UNFPA to halve the number of supported health facilities — from 90 to 47 — leaving millions without access to critical care. Without urgent and flexible funding, maternal mortality will rise, safe spaces will close, and the fragile protection systems sustaining women and girls across Sudan risk collapsing entirely.
