Hunger and Malnutrition Reach Unprecedented Levels in Kadugli

An assessment conducted by IMPACT Initiatives in collaborationKadugli – Mashawir with Save the Children in December 2025 has revealed a severe deterioration in health, nutrition, water, and protection indicators in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan.

The assessment covered 289 households, including 153 displaced families and 136 families from the host community. It found that famine conditions classified as IPC Phase 5, the highest level under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system, remain present in Kadugli amid the ongoing conflict and its consequences, including displacement, looting, and the disruption of livelihoods and humanitarian services.

According to the findings, 80 percent of households rely on purchasing food with cash to meet their daily needs, while 36 percent receive in-kind food assistance. Only 26 percent depend on local food production.

The data further showed that 30 percent of households fall within poor food consumption categories, while only 20 percent have achieved acceptable levels of food consumption.

The assessment also highlighted alarming rates of child malnutrition. Approximately 31 percent of children screened were found to be suffering from malnutrition. The prevalence was notably higher among children in the host community, reaching 42 percent, compared to 27 percent among displaced children.

The findings underscore the deepening humanitarian crisis in Kadugli, where prolonged conflict, population displacement, and limited access to essential services continue to exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable communities.