Iraqi Red Crescent delivers 60 tons of medical aid to crisis-hit Sudan

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Red Crescent Society announced Tuesday that it has delivered 60 tons of medicines and medical supplies to the Sudanese Red Crescent to assist with Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis amid ongoing violent conflict.

In a statement, the Iraqi Red Crescent said the aid shipment will be distributed according to a plan devised by Sudan’s Ministry of Health. A delegation from the Iraqi Red Crescent accompanied the supplies to Khartoum, where they met with Sudanese officials, including the Minister of Health, the acting Secretary-General of the Sudanese Red Crescent, and the Director of Health at the General Secretariat. Discussions centered on opportunities for enhanced collaboration and additional aid to alleviate Sudan’s severe humanitarian needs.

Sudan’s Minister of Health expressed gratitude for the Iraqi Red Crescent’s efforts. “On behalf of the Sudanese people, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation,” the minister said, according to the statement. He emphasized the critical importance of the medical supplies in addressing urgent needs and acknowledged the necessity of continued cooperation with supportive organizations.

The minister added, “We trust the medical supplies provided by the Iraqi Red Crescent will address the urgent needs of emergency hospitals across the country.”

Sudan has been in crisis since April 2023, when violent conflict erupted, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that over 11.2 million people have been displaced internally and across borders, marking it as the largest internal displacement crisis globally. Essential services have collapsed, and millions of Sudanese are now reliant on aid.

According to UN assessments, over 25 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 5 million facing the threat of famine. The conflict has disrupted agricultural activities, exacerbating food shortages and malnutrition. Outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and measles have further strained the public health system. The UN continues to call for immediate ceasefires and unrestricted access for humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving aid.