Eastern Africa: Humanitarian Snapshot (As of September 2025)

Eastern Africa continued to be home to some of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, driven by a convergence of escalating conflicts, political instability, economic shocks, disease outbreaks, and extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. Across the region, an estimated 54 million people require humanitarian assistance, with Sudan alone accounting for 10 per cent of all people in need globally.

By September, hunger levels had continued to deepen, with an estimated 43 million people facing food insecurity in 2025 (excluding Ethiopia). The highest numbers were in Sudan (24.6 million), South Sudan (7.7 million), and Somalia (4.4 million). Famine conditions have also been confirmed in some parts of Sudan. Acute malnutrition remains critical across the region, with 8.7 million children under age 5 acutely malnourished (excluding ethiopia).

The region continues to host some of the world’s largest forcibly displaced persons including internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees. Ongoing violence in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, along with economic shocks and natural hazards, continues to drive millions from their homes. While the number of IDPs has marginally declined in Sudan, the region still hosts over 17 million internally displaced people. In addition, it is home to 6 million refugees and asylum seekers, nearly 2 million of whom are in Uganda.

Meanwhile, major disease outbreaks are spreading rapidly, overwhelming already fragile health systems. By the end of September, Eastern Africa had become the global epicentre of cholera transmission, reporting nearly 160,000 cases, more than one-third of the global total. South Sudan, with more than 75,000 cases, and Sudan, with around 62,000, are among the hardest-hit countries. The region is also battling other outbreaks, including measles and mpox, compounding the health crisis.

Humanitarian efforts have been severely constrained by funding and operational challenges, forcing partners to scale back essential services and leaving millions without vital aid. By end of September, only 24 per cent of the $9.3 billion required had been funded, underscoring the urgent need for increased and sustained support.