30 million people in Sudan face humanitarian crisis amid U.S. funding cuts

Sudan is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, exacerbated by a three-year civil war that has severely impacted the ability to provide aid. The United Nations has reported that approximately 30 million Sudanese—60% of the population—require urgent humanitarian assistance. This alarming situation has been intensified by significant cuts to U.S. funding for foreign aid programs, which has left a notable gap in the support previously provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). As of July 2025, the U.S. government has shuttered its foreign assistance arm under the State Department, which, according to a senior official, is seen as an opportunity to link aid more directly with American diplomatic interests. Critics, however, have expressed serious concerns about the implications of this shift, particularly in light of a report from the British medical journal Lancet, which predicts that without adequate funding, an additional 14 million people could face death over the next five years, with a substantial portion of those being children under five years old. The humanitarian conditions across Sudan have escalated to a state where famine has been confirmed in several locations. Aid organizations are struggling to access those in need due to the violence and ongoing conflict disrupting supply chains and logistics. Many families are fleeing their homes in search of safety, while children are suffering from malnutrition and preventable diseases. As a case in point, the United Nations reported that 80% of health facilities in Sudan have been destroyed, exacerbating an already dire situation for the population who are in desperate need of food, medical care, and shelter. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, grassroots organizations have begun emerging to fill the gaps left by the larger aid agencies that have been forced to cut back operations. However, these smaller groups find it challenging to meet the overwhelming needs of the displaced and suffering populations. For instance, cash distribution is increasingly difficult as inflation and scarcity have driven prices significantly higher, with reports of food prices reaching unsustainable levels. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society has noted that they have only been able to raise about 30% of the necessary funds needed for the upcoming year. The plight of refugees from Sudan has also drawn attention, particularly as many have fled to neighboring countries. The situation remains precarious with a looming threat of further funding cuts to U.S. refugee assistance programs. With a proposed reduction of $1.7 billion in refugee support, humanitarians worry about the severe ramifications this will have on their ability to provide essential services. Some experts are urging immediate action from global leaders to reinstate and enhance funding for urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan, as the risk of famine and further deterioration remains critically high without additional support.