Hunger in Sudan: How (and why) hundreds of thousands are facing famine
A little over a year into the conflict in Sudan has created, among other things, what is now the world’s largest hunger crisis. Here's what you need to know.
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Over the past year, the challenges of climate, conflict and rocketing food prices have had a devastating impact on communities around the world. The need to find ways of adapting has never been greater. But thanks to our generous supporters, we could be there for families when they needed us most.
In the past year, the kindness of our Concern community has meant we have helped 30 million people across 26 countries adapt and survive, by delivering vital assistance to the world’s most vulnerable families and communities.
In our annual Concerned July newsletter, we highlight some of the life-changing work your support has helped to achieve this year - from supporting women in business in Bangladesh, to helping farmers on the frontline of the climate crisis in Malawi, to launching our first crisis response programme in Yemen.
Our Concern community plays a vital role in helping provide immediate and long-term support, whatever it takes.
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Discover how your kindness is changing lives across the globe.
Launching our Yemen response
Thanks to the support of people like you, Concern officially launched our first programme in Yemen to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis. Over the past few months, the Concern community has been part of a crisis response programme. By focusing on three key areas – Health, Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) – supporters like you have helped us bring critical support to families in need.
Since conflict broke out in 2014, one in eight people have been forced from their homes, into camps without basic facilities and where only the luckiest are able to share a latrine. There has been a tragic rise in hunger and preventable diseases, such as cholera, which children are particularly vulnerable to, and scarcely available water has become a luxury.
There is no other way to describe it: The daily life for most people in Yemen is a struggle for survival.
A child on his father’s back returning to their home after receiving cholera/hygiene kit from distribution point in Al-Salam IDP camp, Dar Saad district, Aden Governorate. Photo: Aamar Khalaf/Concern Worldwide
Our teams and partners are working tirelessly to support families. We’ve set up health clinics where we provide free services and vaccinations for children. Our volunteers refer anyone who needs treatment, and they also distribute cholera and hygiene kits to prevent the spread of diseases. In various camps, we’re also constructing toilets to improve sanitation, and solarising wells and a borehole so more people can access safe water.
The generosity of Concern supporters has meant that we can provide critical services to thousands of people suffering from years of conflict, disease outbreaks and displacement. As a community, we have already done so much in such a short time. But we cannot ignore the ongoing cries of people. Please continue to support our vital work.
Abdul Ghaffar, Concern Programme Director and Health facility Manager with children of a small village in Tuban district, Lahj Governorate where Concern is providing health and nutrition services. Photo: Aamar Khalaf/Concern Worldwide
Climate-smart agriculture in Malawi
Elvis Thom (59) at Mano irrigation scheme in Nzinja Village, TA Kanduku, Mwanza District. Photo: Chris Gagnon/Concern Worldwide
In Malawi’s Mwanza district, a devastating combination of drought and flooding destroyed Elvis’ land, leaving her farming group, the Mano Irrigation Scheme, unable to grow crops. As their harvests failed, the group lost more of their income – which meant they had less food to feed their families.
But with funds raised largely by legacy supporters, our local team was able to share innovative new farming techniques with the farmers to overcome immediate challenges, as well as the long-term impacts of climate change – a powerful lasting legacy from gifts left in Wills.
As well as receiving nutritious and climate-smart seeds such as maize and beans, the group received a solar pump - making it easier for farmers to irrigate their land, and expand the area used to grow crops.
Elvis Thom (59) standing with the solar pump donated by Concern. Nzinja Village, TA Kanduku, Mwanza District. Photo: Chris Gagnon/Concern Worldwide
“We used to carry buckets for irrigation, then watering cans. When the group started growing we bought watering cans,” Elvis explained. “But since Concern came with the solar pump, we have managed to expand more.”
It’s because of those who have left a gift in their Will to Concern that Elvis and her farming group have begun building long-term resilience against climate change. It’s the first step to protecting their harvests, a powerful legacy that future members will be able to rely on for generations to come.
Supporting women in business in Bangladesh
When Salma in Dhaka, Bangladesh, received personal business training and a grant from Concern to kickstart her jewellery-making business, she had no idea just how successful she’d be.
Your support has helped her provide an income for her family, employ a team of women, and achieve her business dreams.
It is incredible the difference we can make in the world when we work together. Thank you to everyone who has helped to change lives this year.
If you are in the position to do so, please donate today and help support those who need it most.
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