UN warns famine confirmed in parts of Sudan and drought in Somalia as funding gaps force aid cuts

The United Nations on Wednesday warned that famine has been confirmed in parts of Sudan and that severe drought in Somalia is putting millions at risk, while humanitarian funding shortfalls are forcing cuts to assistance.

Spokesperson Stephanie said the World Food Programme warned that more than 21 million people — about 45% of Sudan's population — face acute food insecurity after more than two and a half years of conflict. "Famine has been confirmed in El Fashir and Kadugli," she said, adding that in nine locations where WFP maintained access, "famine like conditions have been reversed thanks to sustained assistance."

Stephanie said WFP currently reaches over 4,000,000 people each month with emergency food, cash and nutrition support and could double that reach to 8,000,000 with more resources. She warned that without additional support "this fragile progress could quickly be undone."

On Somalia, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported severe drought and a government declaration of a nationwide drought emergency. The spokesperson said an estimated 4.4 million people are projected to face high levels of food insecurity and about 1.9 million children under five could suffer acute malnutrition between August and July.

Stephanie flagged a combined humanitarian needs and response plan for $1,400,000,000 that is only 22% funded, with $317,000,000 on hand, and warned that aid reductions have forced agencies to cut or suspend emergency assistance in some areas.

The spokesperson closed by urging donors "to give and give generously to our humanitarian appeals."