Korea Steps Up Support for Sudan as WFP Battles World’s Worst Hunger Crisis

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a significant contribution of 7 million US dollars from the Republic of Korea to support lifesaving food and nutrition assistance in Sudan. The country is currently experiencing the world’s largest hunger crisis, with famine confirmed in some regions and millions of people facing catastrophic levels of hunger.

The funding forms part of the joint Republic of Korea and WFP initiative “Responding with Emergency Assistance for Conflict-affected Households” (REACH). Through the project, WFP will provide urgent support to communities in hard-to-reach areas such as Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum, where escalating conflict has left families in desperate need.

Laurent Bukera, WFP Sudan Country Director and Representative, described the situation as dire. “More than half the population is facing acute hunger. This timely contribution from the Republic of Korea will help us save lives in the hardest to reach areas of Sudan. We are extremely grateful to the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea for their support to the people of Sudan,” he said.

With the contribution, WFP plans to deliver cash transfers to nearly 90,000 people for two months, enabling families trapped by conflict to continue purchasing food despite restricted access. The cash assistance is also expected to stimulate local markets by circulating money within communities. In addition, the funding will provide lifesaving nutrition assistance for around 30,000 malnourished children and pregnant or breastfeeding women over a three-month period.

H.E. Namgung Hwan, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sudan, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting humanitarian responses. “Korea, as a responsible donor country, is dedicated to addressing global humanitarian crises. This year, Korea is strengthening partnerships with major international organisations, particularly in regions with urgent humanitarian needs. We are proud of continuing to collaborate with the World Food Programme to support Sudan. We hope this new contribution will help alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people affected by the ongoing conflict,” he stated.

This 7 million US dollar contribution represents Korea’s largest recent donation to WFP operations in Sudan, building on a partnership that has provided 10 million US dollars in emergency food aid and logistical support since 2022. Globally, Korea is one of WFP’s top ten government donors, consistently expanding its humanitarian reach.

The crisis in Sudan continues to worsen. An estimated 25 million people are facing acute hunger, with over 638,000 enduring catastrophic conditions. Famine was first confirmed more than a year ago in Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur and the crisis has deepened as violence spreads in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.

WFP has warned that it urgently requires 658 million US dollars to maintain operations over the next six months. Current funding shortfalls mean the agency can only reach those in the most extreme circumstances, leaving many vulnerable communities without assistance.

As Sudan battles the devastating impact of conflict and food insecurity, international support remains crucial. The Republic of Korea’s latest contribution underscores the importance of global solidarity in confronting one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time.

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