On March 3, 2025, the Minister of Health in the Civil Administration linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Central Darfur State announced the closure of 30 health centers following the suspension of U.S. foreign aid. The funding cut, resulting from a policy decision by the U.S. government to terminate several aid programs managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has severely disrupted essential healthcare services across the region.

According to Mohamed El-Amin Rizq Allah, Minister of Health in Central Darfur, the suspension of aid has pushed the fragile health system to the brink of collapse. “The health situation has become critical, especially as we lack the financial resources to sustain health center operations and have not received central support for over two years,” he stated. Rizq Allah warned that the continued deterioration of health services poses a dire threat to the lives of thousands of civilians.

The impact of the funding freeze has been profound. On February 24, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 335 health facilities across Sudan  including 57 in Darfur have been affected. Darfur, already burdened by conflict and displacement, faces an alarming shortage of medical supplies, equipment, and healthcare workers. Limited access to clean water and the absence of laboratory services further heightens the risk of disease outbreaks and hinder effective medical care.

The United Nations has voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis, noting that 79% of Darfur’s population urgently needs humanitarian assistance and protection. The situation underscores the critical need for sustained international support to prevent further loss of life and alleviate suffering in the region.

A Call to Action. Restoring Life-Saving Aid to Darfur

Trauma Rescue Aid (TRAID) appeals to the Sudanese government and other funders to step in and restore health services to the people of Central Darfur State. The ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by conflict and mass displacement, has left thousands of civilians particularly women, children, and the elderly without access to services like healthcare, food, clean water, and shelter.

The suspension of aid has resulted in devastating trauma, stripping vulnerable populations from healing and rebuilding their life after they lost everything. The immediate restoration of medical facilities is vital to saving lives and restoring hope to those who have endured immense suffering.

Together, we can stand in solidarity with the people of Central Darfur State and ensure that no life is lost to preventable causes.