Over 2 million babies estimated born during 18 months of conflict in Sudan
An estimated 2 million babies have been born during 18 months of conflict in Sudan, facing increased risks due to limited healthcare access and high levels of hunger, an analysis by Save the Children has revealed
The estimate draws on recent UN data projecting around 1.3 million births in Sudan in 2024, combined with Save the Children’s estimate for births during the conflict’s first year. The analysis further estimates that 4,000 children are born daily in a country where access to maternal healthcare has sharply declined.
“Babies in Sudan are being born into a nightmare in one of the world’s worst humanitarian catastrophes right now,” said Mohamed Abdiladif, Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan.
“With 80% of health facilities closed amid a collapsing health system, many pregnant women are giving birth without access to the lifesaving care that they and their children need. Sudan’s food crisis means that mothers are missing out on the nutrition they need during pregnancy and childbirth – with dangerous and irreversible consequences for their children’s survival, growth and learning.”
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the conflict has led to shortages of medical supplies, water, and electricity for locals, while health workers and medical facilities have faced attacks.
The World Health Organization further backs this claim, having documented over 100 attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan since the conflict started.
