In a rare breakthrough, Relief International has delivered lifesaving aid to communities in Melit and Al Malha in North Darfur. These two remote localities had been largely cut off from humanitarian assistance due to the country’s ongoing and brutal conflict.
For months, families there have faced extreme hunger and a devastating lack of medical support due to severe access and security restrictions.
Despite these obstacles, Relief International’s team successfully navigated alternative cross-border routes, sending two trucks loaded with thousands of medical and nutrition supplies into these starving communities in recent days.
These supplies—including medication, medical equipment, therapeutic food, and malnutrition treatment—will be enough to treat 2,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition.
Relief International staff organize and store supplies for starving communities in Melit and Al Malha.
“Melit was facing the worst malnutrition rates we had ever seen”
The delivery comes at a critical moment. According to a survey carried out by Relief International in July, Melit was recording the worst malnutrition rates the organization has ever documented. Over the past year, only a trickle of supplies had managed to reach the area, leaving thousands of children on the brink of malnutrition and eventual starvation.
“The survey revealed that 20% of Melit’s population is already at risk of famine, with more than one-third of children facing severe illness and possible death. That is 6,500 children at risk — the scale of suffering is heartbreaking" said Dr. Faisal.
Only “a drop in the ocean” compared to the scale of need
Al Malha, another hard-hit locality, has also endured dire shortages. Relief International’s January survey found that over 40% of children there were already suffering from stunting due to prolonged malnutrition. While the delivery brings hope to thousands of families, Relief International stresses that the supplies are only a small step toward addressing Sudan’s worsening crisis.
“Whilst it is good news that we have finally reached some starving communities in Melit and Al Malha, this delivery is only a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of need,” Dr. Faisal said.
“Millions of Sudanese people continue to endure profound suffering after two and a half years of brutal warfare, mass displacement, and widespread disease and starvation. We must do everything possible to reach them,.” said Dr. Faisal
Relief International says the international community—including governments and donors with the means and power—must act. Humanitarian organizations require a proportionate and massive surge of lifesaving supplies, and for warring parties to grant safe and unimpeded access to affected communities.
