Age International welcomes increased UK Government support for Sudan
Published on 27 November 2024 12:17 PM
Age International welcomes the announcement from the UK Government that it will double its aid to Sudan and neighbouring countries hosting refugees this year.
This vital support will provide much-needed food, shelter and healthcare to those suffering from the devastating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including older people.
In April 2023, conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and has continued to escalate. Over 8 million people have been displaced and around 25 million people - nearly half the population - are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. The United Nations (UN) has warned that Sudan is facing one of the worst famines in decades.
Over 2 million older people live in Sudan. Many are struggling to access basic necessities like food, clean water and healthcare. Older people, particularly older women, are at risk of malnutrition, disease and violence, and are not always able to escape conflict zones. Their specific needs must not be overlooked in the humanitarian response.
Age International's global partner, HelpAge International, is working with local organisations in Sudan to ensure the needs of older people are met. As a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), we are closely monitoring the situation alongside other member agencies.
Age International is calling on the UK Government and its international partners to increase diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Age International CEO Alison Marshall says: “The ongoing conflict in Sudan is devastating lives. Older people and their families are being killed, injured, starved and forced to flee from the violence. We welcome the UK Government announcement doubling aid to Sudan, but the global response is inadequate to meet the scale of the crisis. It is vital that older people are included in this humanitarian response as their needs are so often overlooked. More emergency support is urgently needed alongside a ceasefire."