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Following the mass displacement of people from El Fasher town in late October 2025 and ongoing hostilities, levels of acute malnutrition have surpassed famine thresholds in two areas of North Darfur—Um Baru and Kernoi. Recent assessments conducted in December 2025 in Um Baru and Kernoi localities found acute malnutrition levels exceeding the 30 percent weight-for-height (WHZ) Famine threshold—global acute malnutrition (GAM) in Um Baru was estimated at 52.9 percent among children aged 6-59 months, with 18.1 percent suffering severe acute malnutrition (SAM). In Kernoi, the situation is also extremely concerning, with a GAM prevalence of 34 percent, and 7.8 percent SAM for the same population group.
Many other conflict-affected or inaccessible areas may also be facing similarly catastrophic conditions; however, the full extent remains unknown due to limited access and uncertainty over how rapidly conditions are deteriorating—especially in locations not covered by assessments or monitoring systems, and among displaced populations.
In Greater Kordofan, the intensifying conflict is driving a rapid deterioration in food security, with more people likely to face extreme hunger, acute malnutrition, and rising hunger‑related deaths. Famine was already confirmed in the town of Kadugli in the September 2025 analysis, and very severe conditions were projected in Dilling and the Western Nuba Mountains.
Immediate action is urgently needed to end hostilities and open safe corridors for people fleeing conflict. Only by supporting mutual aid, strengthening communities’ coping capacities, and ensuring unimpeded, large‑scale humanitarian response can we prevent further loss of life and halt the spread of famine and human suffering.
This IPC Alert does not classify areas or provide population estimates and does not constitute a Famine classification. This alert for Sudan is based on the latest evidence available up to 29 January, with the exception of situational developments in Greater Kordofan, which are reflected up to 4 February, and highlights the worsening humanitarian situation, following the IPC analysis published on 3 November 2025 when Famine (IPC Phase 5) was classified in El Fasher and Kadugli towns, and 20 areas across Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan were at risk of Famine.