Nearly 19.5 million people in Sudan face crisis-level hunger, UN agencies say

Nearly 19.5 million people, about two in five people in Sudan, face crisis levels of hunger or worse, FAO, WFP and UNICEF said on 15 May. Nearly 135,000 people are at catastrophe level, although the analysis found no area currently classified as in famine.

Fourteen places in Darfur and South Kordofan are at risk of famine in the coming months, and conditions are expected to worsen during the June to September lean season (FAO, WFP and UNICEF).

Children face serious risks. An estimated 825,000 children under five are expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition in 2026, 7% more than in 2025 (UNICEF).

Famine continues to threaten the people of Sudan.

Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director, 15 May 2026

Key figures

• Nearly 19.5 million people at crisis level or worse (FAO, WFP, UNICEF)
• Nearly 135,000 people at catastrophe level (FAO, WFP, UNICEF)
• 14 places at risk of famine (FAO, WFP, UNICEF)
• 825,000 children under five expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition in 2026 (UNICEF)

Sources

• UNICEF (joint FAO, WFP and UNICEF release): Risk of famine persists as nearly 19.5 million people face acute food insecurity in Sudan (15 May 2026)

Photo: Waseem Lazkani / Pexels · Sudan