Hope in a red sachet
Helping vulnerable children recover from malnutrition during the crisis, one sachet at a time
Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst nutrition and food security crises, driven by the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023. Children already weakened by multiple shocks, are now enduring hunger, disease, and displacement.
Proper nutrition is critical in the early years of life, yet it remains out of reach for millions of children. Severe food insecurity and famine in some areas have left children severely malnourished. Without urgent and timely nutrition care, many will not survive.
Children like Omer, Amal, Mawada, Mushtaha, Genan, Sahar, and Hassan have all been affected. Their growth and development were severely impacted when their families could no longer access nutritious food due to displacement.
At UNICEF-supported health facilities and mobile clinics, these children were screened and growth milestones checked. Their MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) measurements placed them in the red zone- a clear sign of severe acute malnutrition. But there is hope: lifesaving treatment, including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is readily available.
RUTF is a nutrient-rich peanut paste used to treat severely malnourished children. It is easy to use, requires no preparation, and is especially effective in emergencies.
Since the conflict began, UNICEF has been procuring and delivering cartons of RUTF across Sudan — navigating unsafe roads, floods, and active frontlines — to ensure children at risk of malnutrition receive timely treatment.
Here is what happens when a malnourished child receives this small sachet packed with vitamins - and hope.
One sachet, one child at a time.
Omer’s fight against malnutrition
Born in displacement, 9-month-old Omer battled malnutrition twice since birth.
At the UNICEF-supported Alkarama clinic in Kassala state, his mother Rasha brings him for a follow up visit. Their displacement journey across three states left the family with little food.
“We have been suffering since the war began. I don’t have enough breast milk to support my child,” she says.
Omer was weak and exhausted. He was first fed therapeutic milk, then introduced to RUTF as his condition improved.
“The doctors say he is making progress and have given me more nutrition supplements.”
Omer likes the RUTF. His weight increased from 4.7 to 5.9 kgs. He is stronger now-and his smile wider.
Amal’s tiny steps to recovery
Trapped by conflict in Khartoum, Basmat struggled to feed herself during pregnancy. Her baby, Amal, was born underweight and became malnourished at just three months old.
“She stopped playing and cries a lot,” says Basmat.
The continued disruption in health services and lifesaving supply chains have affected thousands of children like Amal. But UNICEF is turning the tide.
At Mayo Mandela nutrition clinic, Basmat feeds Amal with RUTF during a follow-up visit.
“Since we received this food, Amal is eating more and is doing much better. I hope she heals and grows up happy.”
Each sachet brings Amal closer to recovery.
A healing journey for two
Arafa’s twins Mawada and Mushtaha, are both malnourished.
“I fed them whatever I could find,” says Arafa, a displaced mother. But it wasn’t enough.
At Dar Al-Salam health facility in Port Sudan, nutritionists explained the importance of nutrient-rich food. Arafa received RUTF and is determined to help her children heal.
“I hope to hear them say Mama (mother) and Baba (father)- and grow up healthy and happy.”
Treatment on wheels
“When I brought my daughter, she was very sick. Her body was weak, and her eyes looked tired,” says Amal, a displaced mother.
At a UNICEF-supported mobile clinic in Adama locality, River Nile State, her 11-month-old daughter Yadin is assessed during a follow-up visit.
Though still severely malnourished, Yadin is improving. With more RUTF, Amal is hopeful.
“Since she started the supplement, she is eating better.”
Mobile clinics bring essential services closer to displaced families - treating malnutrition, diarrhoea, and acute respiratory infections.
Genan’s road to recovery
Genan’s health deteriorated after her mother’s sudden death in Khartoum. When her family fled to Blue Nile, she was weak and underweight.
At Damazine Children's hospital, she was admitted for immediate care, including RUTF.
“Genan’s health has improved. Her weight has gone up,” says her caretaker, Rehad.
A mother’s struggle to feed her children
Malka, displaced and struggling, often has only a few pieces of okra to feed her children.
During a door-to-door nutrition campaign, volunteers found her 1-year-old daughter Sahar severely malnourished. The campaign ensures early detection, diagnosis, and immediate referral of malnourished children to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Sahar received RUTF at a nearby health facility. With a small plastic bag full of sachets, Malka returns home ready to help her daughter fight malnutrition.
One sachet at a time for Hassan
Ten-month-old Hassan is severely malnourished, with diarrhoea and a presistent cough.
“He lost his appetite when the diarrhoea started,” says his caretaker, Maha.
At Deem Al Nour Health Centre South in Gedaref state, Hassan receives treatment, including RUTF to help him regain strength.
Janat bounces back
RUTF is safe and easy to use.
Nine-month- old Janat was born in displacement after her family fled to Gedaref. Illness has marked much of her short life. Diagnosed with malnutrition two months ago, she began recovering- until a recent bout of diarrhoea.
She continues to receive RUTF and care at a UNICEF-supported clinic, while her mother attends nutrition counselling session to improve hygiene practices.
RUTF - a lifeline for children in Sudan
Across Sudan, an estimated 3.2 million children under five years will suffer from acute malnutrition in 2025. Of these, about 770,000 will face the deadliest form - severe acute malnutrition. Without treatment, these children are 11 times more likely to die from disease than healthy children.
Thanks to the support from the Government of the United States of America, European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), and UN CERF, UNICEF continues to procure and deliver vital nutrition supplies - including RUTF- to save children's lives.
For the children reached, the red sachet is more than food. It is hope, healing and a second chance at life.
