Elderly people displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan are struggling to access essential food, medication, and healthcare. Many of these individuals have been separated from family members who previously provided them with care. Aid institutions report that the fighting between the government and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has hindered their ability to deliver necessary support.
Hamad Abdallah, 75, fled his village in North Kordofan after it was attacked by the RSF. Abdallah stated that the loss of his family's support has made it increasingly difficult for him to meet his basic needs while living in displacement.
Fatima Mousa, 71, also lost contact with her family after fleeing her hometown in Kordofan with neighbors following an attack that killed several young men. Mousa said, "I still don't know where my family is. I have been living here for several months, and we urgently need medication and support, as we have no family members to look after us."
The Aldaw Hajooj Home for the elderly in Northern Khartoum is attempting to provide care despite the conflict. The facility's director, Moubark Satti, reported that the home lost its only vehicle, which was used to transport residents to medical facilities. Satti stated that some elderly people died during the conflict because they were unable to access medical care. He requested financial assistance from international humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to keep essential services running.
Sudan's Minister of Social Welfare, Siddig Ferini, said that authorities have reunited dozens of displaced older people with their families, though others are still searching for relatives. Ferini urged donors and humanitarian organizations to provide social care and essential services to older people during the current economic crisis and conflict.
TYPE: news
