March 3, 2025 – Central Darfur, Sudan – The humanitarian crisis in Central Darfur is worsening. The closure of 30 health centres has left thousands without medical care. The shutdown follows the suspension of U.S. foreign aid, a move that forced humanitarian organizations to stop critical services.

Foreign Aid Cuts Leave Health System in Collapse

On Monday, Mohamed El-Amin Rizq Allah, Minister of Health under the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)-affiliated Civil Administration, warned of a worsening crisis. He stated that the suspension of U.S. assistance has severely weakened the state’s healthcare system.

“The health situation is critical. We cannot operate health centers due to financial shortages and the lack of central support for over two years,” he said. “If this continues, the population faces a major health catastrophe.”

Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur, has suffered the most. Humanitarian organizations previously provided most of the region’s healthcare. Their withdrawal has left a dangerous gap in services.

UN and WHO Warn of Worsening Health Emergency

On February 24, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the U.S. funding freeze affected 335 health facilities across Sudan, including 57 in Darfur.

The crisis is escalating due to ongoing conflict and mass displacement. Health systems now face extreme pressure, making medical care inaccessible for thousands. Key concerns include:

• Collapsing health infrastructure – Many hospitals and clinics lack staff, medicines, and equipment.
• Rising malnutrition – The closure of therapeutic feeding centers has left many children without treatment.
• Waterborne diseases – Limited clean water access has increased cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea cases.
• Lack of medical diagnostics – Without laboratory services, infections and illnesses go untreated.

The United Nations estimates that 79% of Darfur’s population urgently needs humanitarian aid. With no solution in sight, the region faces an unprecedented health disaster.

Human Rights Appeal: Restore Life-Saving Aid to Darfur

The Darfur Network for Human Rights (DNHR) urges the U.S. government to restore humanitarian aid. The current suspension has led to:

• The closure of health centers, leaving children, women, and older people without medical support.
• A rise in preventable deaths due to malnutrition, disease, and lack of maternal care.
• Increased food insecurity as aid blockages worsen shortages of essential supplies.

Testimonies from the Ground

Local sources in Zalingei and Nyala report severe disruptions since organizations like the International Medical Corps (IMC) withdrew. IMC once operated nutrition centers, providing vital care. Now, families in Harvest Camp struggle without pediatric specialists.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) also ended operations. The shutdown has driven food prices higher. Bread costs twice as much as before, making it unaffordable for many displaced families.

A Call for Immediate Action

The United States has long supported humanitarian efforts in Sudan. We call on U.S. policymakers to:

• Immediately reinstate emergency aid to health centers.
• Ensure humanitarian corridors remain open, allowing medical supplies into Darfur.
• Pressure warring factions (SAF & RSF) to protect healthcare facilities and humanitarian workers.

The people of Darfur cannot afford more delays. The aid freeze is not just an economic decision—it is a matter of life and death for millions.

The Darfur Network for Human Rights urges the international community to act before this crisis becomes irreversible.