Sudan

SUDAN - NORTH

Political developments in 2009 added even greater complexity and uncertainty in North Sudan and worsened the humanitarian situation in Darfur, where civil conflict is ongoing, with an estimated 2.5 million people displaced. Despite challenging security issues, Concern continued to implement an emergency program to meet the humanitarian needs of 350,666 people in West Darfur and is also working in South Kordofan.

Photo: Concern worker speaks with participants of the Livelihoods program, Concern Worldwide

Concern has worked in West Darfur since 2004, and now has programs in three areas: Geneina and Krenick; Kulbus and Seleia; and Mornei, including Umshalaya. Our work focuses on camp management, meeting basic survival needs, reducing malnutrition, improving health and hygiene practices, and helping people grow food and earn a living.

• EMERGENCY—Meeting the urgent needs of over 350,666 people in Darfur
• HEALTH—Improving access to health care for 30,000 of the most vulnerable
• WATER AND SANITATION—Bringing clean water, sanitation and hygiene training to more than 50,000 people
• LIVELIHOODS—Empowering conflict-affected households to improve their income and food security

SUDAN - SOUTH 

Four years after signing the fragile comprehensive peace agreement that ended a 22-year civil war, South Sudan suffered a year marked by unrest and tribal conflicts. Elections were to be held in April 2009, but were delayed until April 2010, and the standing president was re-elected. Sudan is still struggling to maintain stability and rebuild basic systems for health, education, water, and markets.

A “bush school” in South Sudan, where lessons are held in the shade of a tree. Photo: Sudan, Concern Worldwide

Concern has been working in Sudan since 1985, and our current programs focus on livelihoods and food security, health, nutrition, and education. 

• EMERGENCY—Providing vital relief to 27,752 people affected by floods and bush fires
• LIVELIHOODS—Improving income opportunities and access to food for 34,849 people
• EDUCATION—Meeting the needs of 15,780 students, parents and teachers
• HEALTH AND NUTRITION—Increasing access to clean water and health services for 68,164 people

Sudan at a Glance 

Area: 2,506,000 sq km
Population: 40.4m
GDP per capita: US $2,086
Infant mortality (per thousand births): 82
Life expectancy: 57.9
Living with HIV and AIDS: 320,000
Literacy rate: 60.9%
Access to safe water: 70%
Human development rank: 150 (out of 182)
Global Hunger Rank/Index*: 53 / 19.6