Sudan crisis: Rehabilitation services critical for war-wounded and persons with disabilities

Three years after the outbreak of the war in Sudan, the humanitarian situation has reached catastrophic levels for civilians and is even more critical for persons with disabilities. As violence continues and basic services collapse, Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is raising urgent concerns about the heightened vulnerability of people with disabilities, and the growing threat posed by explosive remnants of war.

Humanity & Inclusion is one of the only international humanitarian aid organisations providing rehabilitation care in the country and the only one in the Darfur region.

People with disabilities disproportionately affected

An estimated 11.6 million people have been displaced and over 33 million require humanitarian assistance. At least 4.6 million people, around 16% of Sudan’s population, live with disabilities. In conflict-affected areas, this figure is likely to be far higher due to injury, trauma, chronic health deterioration, and barriers to care.

People with disabilities face extreme challenges in fleeing violence, accessing aid, and protecting themselves from harm. In conflict settings, they are often among the first to be left behind and face significantly higher risks of violence, abuse, discrimination, and exclusion. Mortality rates among people with disabilities can be two to four times higher than those of the general population in such contexts. Yet inclusive humanitarian services and specialised support remain largely absent.

“With the onset of the conflict, we were forced to leave our home due to the dangerous conditions and ongoing shelling around us. I was unable to take my diabetes medication regularly. As a result, wounds developed on my body, became infected, and did not respond to treatment or repeated dressing sessions. Consequently, I lost my leg. Since the amputation surgery, I have been unable to walk and now spend all my time in bed.” says Sadia Abdallah Mohamed, a citizen of Wad Madani.

Key provider of rehabilitation care 

In this context, Humanity & Inclusion stands out as one of the only international humanitarian organisations delivering essential rehabilitation services in Sudan, and the only one currently doing so in Darfur.

Our teams are providing this vital care in the East and West part of the country. 
Rehabilitation care is provided, and assistive devices are supplied primarily to people with disabilities in Wad Madani (Al-Jazirah State), southeast of the capital, Khartoum. In addition, stimulation therapy is offered to malnourished children to prevent long-term disabilities. Humanity & Inclusion provides these services in four existing hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

On the western side of the country, in Tawila (North Darfur State), functional rehabilitation care is provided at the hospital run by Humanity & Inclusion’s partner Doctors Without Borders. The services primarily assist people with war-related injuries through emergency rehabilitation care and also support persons with disabilities.

“The fall of El Fasher has led to an influx of displaced people into neighbouring Tawila. An increasing number of individuals with severe injuries, such as gunshot wounds, urgently require rehabilitation care and adapted assistive devices. Without early intervention, these individuals risk developing permanent impairments and chronic pain. Currently, we are one of the few humanitarian organisations able to provide this essential support in Sudan and the only one in Darfur.” explains Vincent Dalonneau, Country Director for Humanity & Inclusion in Sudan.

Talking about the challenges facing people with injuries, Iain Matheson, one of Humanity & Inclusion’s physiotherapists deployed to Tawila in March to support our response explains: 

“In terms of living with new disabilities it is very challenging. Many of those who had surgery for fractures many months ago had legs that were locked straight and unable to bend - this would make squatting on the floor and using a toilet very challenging and require practice to use the good leg to lower or raise yourself to and from the floor. Thankfully family members were always really dedicated in helping their relatives do whatever they needed with as much dignity as possible. You also had to consider that due to infections and poor nutrition that people's bones wouldn't heal in the expected timeline and were prone to fracturing again, continuing a possible cycle of further disability. Access to outer parts of the camp are also tiring to reach when using crutches in the sand.”

Returnees at risk of being injured by remnant of war

The war in Sudan has triggered the world’s largest displacement crisis, with nearly 14 million people displaced at its peak. Despite the ongoing conflict, more than 3 million people had already returned home by the end of January 2026, including 700,000 from abroad, according to UNHCR and IOM. Most returns occurred to states where violence had largely subsided, such as Khartoum, Blue Nile, and Al Jazirah.

As millions of displaced people begin returning home, they face a new and deadly danger: explosive remnants of war. Areas of return and former frontlines are heavily contaminated with unexploded ordnance, including anti-personnel mines. These hazards are present in homes, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and on roads, posing a constant threat to civilians and severely restricting access to essential services and livelihoods.

“Other conflicts around the world have already shown how the contamination from unexploded ordnance can impact civilian life for decades, even after the conflict has ended. It endangers the lives of the Sudanese population, restricts access to essential services, and hinders economic development.” explains Vincent Dalonneau.

Awareness of these risks remains low among the population, particularly in urban areas. Risk education, demining efforts, and long-term victim assistance are urgently needed. However, such efforts are complex and will take years to implement fully.

Notes

Spokespersons 

• Experts in rehabilitation and mine action available for interview

 More on HI’s humanitarian response to the conflict in Sudan

• Inclusive humanitarian action: To ensure that the needs of vulnerable persons are met, Humanity & Inclusion is also implementing Inclusive Humanitarian Action. Through training and other activities, Humanity & Inclusion raises awareness and strengthens the capacity of other humanitarian organisations to deliver emergency assistance as inclusively as possible, ensuring that people with disabilities are not excluded.
• Actions in Eastern Chad: As the consequences of this devastating conflict extend beyond the country's borders, Humanity & Inclusion is also providing rehabilitation care and psychological support in eastern Chad. In the border town of Adré (Ouaddaï Province), war victims have been supported since June 2023 , and Humanity & Inclusion plays an important logistical role for dozens of humanitarian organisations operating in the area.

How to donate

To donate to Humanity & Inclusion Emergency appeal for the crisis in Sudan: Sudan Crisis Appeal | Humanity & Inclusion UK