The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), on Tuesday, 9 December, has issued a stark warning that its humanitarian operations in Sudan are critically underfunded, jeopardizing essential services for women and girls.
Speaking virtually to reporters in Geneva, UNFPA’s country representative, Fabrizia Falcione, revealed that only 42% of the agency’s 2025 response plan was financed, forcing the closure of safe spaces, interruption of supplies, and the suspension of key reproductive health services. UNFPA is appealing for 116 million dollars for 2026 to sustain maternal healthcare, reproductive services, and protection programs across the country, stressing that full funding is vital to avert further gaps in lifesaving assistance.
Falcione highlighted the severe and ongoing impact of Sudan’s civil war, which has raged since April 2023 and continues to endanger millions. She noted that 12.1 million people face the risk of gender-based violence, underscoring the conflict’s devastating assault on the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls. Despite the challenges, UNFPA continues to deliver maternal and obstetric care, along with psychosocial support and case management for survivors of gender-based violence. Falcione warned that these services remain a lifeline — but only if the international community acts with urgency to prevent further atrocities.
