Malnutrition kills 20 in RSF-held Sudan’s Omdurman district

November 30, 2024 (OMDURMAN) – At least 20 people, including eight children and 12 elderly residents, have died from malnutrition in a district of Omdurman held by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an emergency response team said on Saturday.

Hundreds more are suffering from acute malnutrition in Dar es Salaam, which has been under RSF control since the early days of the conflict in Sudan. The area is facing a severe food crisis due to widespread looting and destruction of markets.

“The medical office has recorded 20 deaths due to malnutrition… in Dar es Salaam,” a member of the emergency response team told Sudan Tribune, adding that the actual number is likely higher.

A total of 264 cases of malnutrition were reported in Dar es Salaam in November, with another 24 cases in the nearby Al-Qamair area.

Women are suffering from acute vitamin deficiencies, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth, the source said, citing medical reports. Cases of night blindness and diarrhoea, both complications of malnutrition, are also on the rise.

The dire situation is exacerbated by restrictions imposed by army-controlled authorities on the delivery of essential goods to RSF-held areas of Khartoum. Strict security measures on roads have further hampered access to food and medical supplies.