Sudan: Urgent support needed as WASH crisis in El Obeid worsens

Distribution of hygiene kits to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sheikan, North Kordofan.

Port Sudan, 10 July 2026

As the humanitarian situation in El Obeid continues to deteriorate, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services remains critically constrained. 

Ongoing insecurity, damaged infrastructure and disruptions to essential supply chains have left communities—particularly displaced families, women, and children—at heightened risk of waterborne diseases and protection concerns. 

The cumulative impact of limited access to clean water and inadequate sanitation facilities is deeply concerning. Displaced families, host communities, schools and health facilities face severe water shortages, inadequate sanitation services, and overstretched or nonfunctional water systems.  As a result, they are relying on unsafe water sources. Without urgent intervention, the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera and acute watery diarrhoea, will continue to rise, placing thousands of people at even greater risk.  


Even in the darkest times, life goes on as long as hope remains. LM's humanitarian teams continue working to restore hope to those who have lost it and those who have fled conflict-affected areas to the city of El Obeid.

— Mugtaba Elsafi, Area Coordinator, El Obeid, North Kordofan

LM International, alongside local partners in and around El Obeid, are working tirelessly to maintain lifesaving WASH services through emergency water trucking, rehabilitation of boreholes, distribution of hygiene kits and community engagement on hygiene practices. However, these efforts are being outpaced by growing needs and constrained by limited resources and access challenges.
 
We call on the international community, donors, humanitarian partners and relevant authorities to:

  • Respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable timely delivery of essential services and supplies to affected communities.
  • Scale up funding for emergency WASH interventions to ensure sustained access to safe water and sanitation.
  • Prioritise protection-sensitive WASH programming, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive, and safe for women, girls, and people with disabilities.
  • Invest in durable solutions, including the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and strengthening local capacity and water systems to enhance resilience. 
    Failure to act decisively now risks deepening the humanitarian crisis and undermining the dignity and health of thousands of people in El Obeid. 

Limited access to safe water and sanitation is increasing health risks for affected communities.

Emergency latrines installed at an internally displaced persons (IDP) gathering site in Shiekan locality

SHARE THIS STORY

ALL STORIES