Wednesday, 15th April 2026, Burlington, Ontario – Today marks the third anniversary of the outbreak of war in Sudan. Three years on, Sudan remains one of the most underfunded humanitarian crises in the world. A new update from Islamic Relief on the country’s hunger crisis shows just how much conditions have deteriorated, with hundreds of lifesaving community kitchens, called Takaaya’s, shutting down in the past six months due to a lack of support. 

Key findings from our latest research include:

· 42% of the 844 kitchens we surveyed in six states across Sudan have shut down in the past six months alone.

· Remaining kitchens are overstretched, facing rising demand as closures push more people toward fewer services.

· The cost of meals has more than doubled, driven by inflation, currency collapse, and supply chain disruptions

· Many kitchens are being forced to cut down on meal size and nutritional quality, with reports of deaths linked directly to hunger and malnutrition.

· The funding lifeline is collapsing, as diaspora donations decline, and international aid falls far short of what is needed.

The Sudanese population is currently experiencing one of the most devastating famines ever faced in modern history, with an estimated [MG1] 21.2 million people facing acute food insecurity. Takaaya’s are a vital lifeline for communities facing acute hunger, displacement, and loss and a last line of defence against famine in many areas.

Behind these figures are human stories that are impossible to ignore. Takaaya volunteers told local Islamic Relief teams of the anguish of having to close kitchens and turn away people they know by name – people who have nowhere else to go. One volunteer describes it as “like abandoning my own family.” 

“We call on the Canadian government to step up for the Sudanese community, a community that is waiting for the world to remember them.” - Tufail Hussain, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada. 

As the war in the Middle East disrupts global supply routes and put further strain on Sudan’ food shortages,  Islamic Relief Canada is joining the call of thousands of international NGOs based in Sudan that are urgently calling on governments to stand up and prevent the escalation of the most devastating famine today. 

Islamic Relief response in Sudan:

Islamic Relief has worked in Sudan since 1984 and has provided aid to over 2 million people across the country since the war broke out in April 2023, including food, water, and healthcare. The charity currently works in 11 of Sudan’s 18 states. 

About Islamic Relief Canada

Islamic Relief Canada is a registered Canadian charity and a prominent humanitarian organization providing emergency relief and supporting resilient communities around the world. Registered Charity No. 821896875RR0001.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Houda Kerkadi,  Media and Press Relations Specialist  
[email protected] 
+1 514-578-2684