Costs of Halting USAID: Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Deepens

The situation in war-torn Sudan is critical, with widespread hunger affecting many, including the middle class. Soup kitchens, heavily reliant on U.S. foreign aid, face shutdowns, leaving families and hospitals vulnerable. The U.N. has made an urgent plea for funds to address extreme hunger in Sudan, while medical staff continue their efforts under dire conditions. Aid withdrawal is expected to have devastating effects on U.S. interests in the region.

In war-ravaged Sudan, the conditions are dire, with widespread hunger affecting countless individuals, especially those trapped in conflict zones. In cities like Omdurman, soup kitchens have become essential for many, including well-off professionals once part of the middle class who now rely on food handouts. Mohammed Hamad, an electrical engineer, exemplifies this struggle, stating that he and his family depend on God and charity for survival, highlighting the severe economic collapse affecting the nation.

The soup kitchen where Hamad seeks assistance provides just one meal daily, prompting him to experience profound shame in not being able to supply basic necessities for his family, including medicine. As he faces financial obstacles, he recalls his wife’s lung infection that prevents timely medical treatment due to transportation costs. Many of these soup kitchens, vital for survival, were shuttered after the suspension of U.S. foreign aid, which had previously funded nearly 80% of them.

The largest functioning hospital in the region, Al Noa, also relies on soup kitchens for its patients’ nourishment, as it lacks resources to provide meals. The hospital struggles to cope with patients amid limited space, with many treated on the floor due to a shortage of beds. Dr. Jamal Mohammad, who leads the medical staff, has expressed concern about the effects of U.S. aid termination, emphasizing that before the suspension, they were already facing shortages in vital medical supplies.

Dr. Mohammad expressed uncertainty regarding the motives behind the reduction of aid, stating, “I think it’s going to increase and deepen the suffering of our people. We are the forgotten war.” Former U.S. Ambassador Jesseye Lapenn noted that U.S. support through USAID reflects American values and concerns that aid withdrawal could severely impact global interests and relationships.

Lapenn criticized the portrayal of USAID as merely charity and highlighted its importance as a strategic investment in U.S. international relations. She argued that the loss of U.S. partnerships would compel nations like Sudan to seek support elsewhere, potentially jeopardizing their natural resources through trade with nations like the UAE, Iran, and Russia.

The United Nations recently appealed for $6 billion in emergency funding to combat hunger in Sudan, an increase from previous requests. Cindy McCain, head of the U.N. World Food Program, warned that humanitarian resources are nearing collapse and urged immediate global action. At the hospital, Sudanese staff, led by Dr. Mohammad, remain committed to their patients despite the hurdles they face. He has continued to operate without pay for nearly two years, seeking to restore hope to the injured.

One poignant case was 10-year-old Akram Atlan, who had suffered a leg injury from shrapnel while playing. Dr. Mohammad performed a successful surgery to repair his leg, allowing Akram to reclaim his dreams of playing soccer. Muhammad’s commitment to saving lives exemplifies the resilience and dedication of medical professionals in Sudan during this crisis.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan starkly illustrates the dire consequences of halting aid, as evidenced by widespread hunger and the collapse of essential services. Individuals like Mohammed Hamad and medical professionals such as Dr. Jamal Mohammad illustrate the profound impact of economic decline and the struggles faced by families and hospitals alike. The U.N. has called for immediate global action to address this catastrophic hunger crisis, highlighting the urgency of international support for the nation’s recovery and stability.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com