UNICEF delivers lifesaving aid to hard-to-reach areas in South Kordofan

KHARTOUM, 11 June 2026 – UNICEF has delivered lifesaving health and nutrition supplies to Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, reaching children and families largely cut off by ongoing violence.

The eight-truck convoy delivered lifesaving health, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene supplies to support nearly 39,000 people largely cut off from any humanitarian assistance. A further delivery to Dbeibat is currently underway, as efforts continue to reach children and families in hard-to-access areas. These deliveries come as fighting across Kordofan remains highly dynamic, with ongoing clashes over strategic locations and key supply routes, severely constraining humanitarian access.

As the conflict has entered its fourth year, children in Sudan continue to bear the brunt of the crisis. Ongoing violence and insecurity are exposing them to grave protection risks, including killing and injury, family separation, and increased risks of exploitation and abuse.

The toll on children is stark. In late May, at least five children were reportedly killed in an attack in Morah, North Kordofan. Since January, more than 300 children have been killed or maimed across Sudan due to drones, shelling and crossfire. Children have been killed in their homes, in markets, while fleeing violence, during intercommunal clashes, and even while seeking care in hospitals.

Humanitarian operations remain severely hampered by insecurity, administrative impediments, and significant funding gaps. With limited or no access to essential services, children face acute shortages of safe drinking water, healthcare and nutrition, protection and learning.

“Reaching children in Dilling and Kadugli meant delivering assistance in the midst of ongoing fighting, at a time when humanitarian access is extremely limited,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan. “Across Kordofan and other conflict-affected areas, access remains limited and the needs remain stark. This delivery will help save lives, but it does not begin to meet the level of need. Without sustained and reliable access, too many children will continue to be cut off from the basic services they need to survive.”

UNICEF calls on all parties to facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access and to ensure the protection of civilians, including children, in line with international humanitarian law.

Despite the immense challenges, UNICEF and its partners remain on the ground, working to deliver lifesaving assistance and essential services to children and families affected by the crisis across Sudan.