Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in gaza, Sudan – Urgent Action Needed
Global health and humanitarian organizations are facing escalating crises in both Gaza and Sudan, demanding immediate and increased support.
Gaza: Health System Under Strain, Water Access Critically Low
A concerning rise in Guillain-Barré syndrome cases has been reported in Gaza, with the World health Organization (WHO) documenting 46 diagnoses and two fatalities as of July. A significant 38% of those affected require intensive care. The WHO is collaborating with local health authorities to improve disease monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment, recognizing the syndrome’s links to weakened immunity, inadequate nutrition, and infections stemming from poor hygiene.
Alongside this health challenge, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. While the UN successfully delivered three fuel tankers to Gaza city yesterday – destined for essential health facilities, water and sanitation systems, and emergency communications – current fuel supplies are insufficient to maintain even minimal operations.Access to clean water is severely restricted, with a recent survey revealing 96% of Gazan households struggling to obtain water for basic needs like drinking, hygiene, and sanitation.
Sudan: Starvation Looms in El Fasher, Cholera and Malnutrition Surge
The humanitarian situation in Sudan, notably in El Fasher, North Darfur, is rapidly deteriorating. UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher has issued a stark warning about the growing risk of starvation, emphasizing that time is running out to deliver life-saving aid. OCHA is actively advocating for a humanitarian pause to facilitate large-scale aid delivery and the reinstatement of a full UN presence in the region.
Escalating insecurity, disease outbreaks, widespread hunger, recent flooding, and mass displacement are driving the increasing humanitarian needs across Sudan. El Fasher remains a besieged urban center, with ongoing shelling and civilians bearing the brunt of clashes between armed groups.A cholera outbreak is compounding the crisis, with over 3,600 cases reported in North Darfur since late June and over 1,200 suspected cases and 69 deaths in South Darfur. Humanitarian partners fear significant underreporting is obscuring the true extent of the epidemic, hampered by limited access to clean water, sanitation, and medical supplies.
Alarmingly, malnutrition rates are soaring. Surveys indicate that global acute malnutrition has surpassed emergency levels in all assessed areas of North Darfur, reaching 34% in Mellit and nearly 30% in At Tawaisha. This widespread deterioration extends beyond areas at immediate risk of famine, impacting broader conflict-affected regions.
The UN and its partners are expanding nutritional support programs, including outpatient therapeutic services and establishing new stabilization centers. However, considerable and immediate funding is crucial to sustain and scale up these vital interventions.
OCHA urgently calls on all parties to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Sudan and appeals to donors for increased, flexible funding to address the country’s escalating humanitarian needs.
