Italy pledges US$7M to combat malnutrition in Sudan
SUDAN – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan has welcomed a significant contribution of EUR6.55 million (US$7 million) from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
This funding will enable WFP to deliver life-saving specialized nutritious foods and cash-based nutrition assistance to nearly 200,000 young children and pregnant or nursing women in Gedaref and Kassala states, two regions severely affected by malnutrition.
The support comes at a critical time, as Sudan grapples with a deepening hunger crisis. Across the country, approximately 3.7 million children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are malnourished. The Italian contribution will help prevent malnutrition in eastern Sudan, where access to adequate nutrition remains a pressing challenge.
“Amid Sudan’s worsening hunger crisis, this generous contribution will help improve diets among vulnerable women and children, which is key to reducing malnutrition. We are extremely grateful to the Government of Italy,” said Mr. Laurent Bukera, WFP Regional Director for Eastern Africa.
Sudan’s humanitarian situation remains catastrophic, with nearly half of the population – approximately 24.6 million people – facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+). Twenty-seven locations across the country are either in famine or at risk of famine, and more than one-third of children in the hardest-hit regions suffer from acute malnutrition.
The Italian Ambassador to Sudan, Michele Tommasi, emphasized Italy’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
According to Tommasi, with this project, Italy is at the forefront in Sudan in supporting the most vulnerable populations. The partnership with WFP is a tangible example of our commitment to fighting malnutrition, ensuring access to essential nutritional support for those most in need.
“This initiative also reflects Italy’s broader strategy of humanitarian assistance and sustainable development, reinforcing long-term resilience and food security in the region,” he stated.
Since the onset of Sudan’s conflict nearly 22 months ago, WFP has provided nutrition assistance to nearly 2.5 million women and children, aiming to prevent and treat malnutrition. The organization is now working to expand its reach, with a goal of tripling the number of people it supports to 7 million across the country.
Italy has been a steadfast partner in these efforts, contributing nearly EUR15 million to WFP’s operations in Sudan since 2021.
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