The IPC analysis in Sudan was a complex exercise, given the sheer size of the country and the analytical challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. While IPC findings for February–May 2026 (post-harvest season) cover the entire country (195 localities and IDP settlements), findings for June–September 2026 (lean season) and October 2026-January 2027 (harvest season) cover a significantly smaller area—56 localities and IDP settlements, representing around 8.3 million people and a large share of the most food‑insecure populations.

Data was not available for a full nationwide projection analysis. Caution is therefore advised when comparing figures across periods, as geographic coverage differs significantly. 

Nearly 19.5 million people—approximately 41 percent of the country’s population—continue to face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between February and May 2026. This includes nearly 135,000 people in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe), more than 5 million people in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), and a further 14 million people in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). Conditions are expected to deteriorate further in the upcoming June–September lean season.

A risk of Famine has been identified in 14 areas across North Darfur, South Darfur, and South Kordofan under a reasonable worst-case scenario, characterised by intensified conflict and further restrictions on humanitarian access and the movement of goods and people.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains widespread in Sudan. An estimated 825,000 children under the age of five are expected to suffer from SAM in 2026—up 7 percent compared to 2025, and 25 percent above pre-conflict levels (2021-2023).

• Cease hostilities: An immediate ceasefire and a lasting political settlement are essential to ending the humanitarian crisis. This requires sustained national, regional, and international engagement.
• Protect civilians: Protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to prevent further loss of life and reduce suffering.
• Ensure humanitarian access: Remove administrative and security barriers and enable safe, sustained cross‑line and cross‑border access for aid delivery, in line with IHL.
• Increase humanitarian assistance: Scale up funding for multi‑sectoral assistance, including direct support to local aid actors, to match the scale of needs beyond current hyper‑prioritisation.
• Scale up treatment of acute malnutrition: Increase supplies, surge staffing, and expand Community‑based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) services to enhance prevention, screening, outreach and treatment of severe and moderate acute malnutrition.
• Support food systems and livelihoods: Restore food production by providing agricultural inputs, supporting livestock, and ensuring safe access to farmland. Enable safe food consumption by strengthening WASH, health, and nutrition services.
• Strengthen data collection: Facilitate access for data collection across sectors, especially in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach locations.