PORT SUDAN, Sudan February 18, 2026 – A United Nations (UN) interagency convoy led by the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reached Dilling and Kadugli, South Kordofan, with lifesaving humanitarian supplies to assist over 130,000 people. This marks the first major delivery of assistance to the area in three months.
The convoy, comprising 15 WFP trucks, seven UNICEF trucks and four UNDP trucks, transported essential medical, food, nutrition, health, WASH and education supplies. WFP transported more than 1.5 million pounds of food commodities to support nearly 70,000 people, including 21,000 mothers and children with specialized nutritious food to prevent malnutrition. UNICEF transported lifesaving items that will support 40,000 children and their families with critical nutrition, WASH, health and education supplies. UNDP delivered 154,322 pounds of medical supplies, including five months of HIV, TB and malaria medication from the Global Fund and lifesaving medicines provided by the National Medical Supplies Fund.
Dilling and the nearby city of Kadugli have been largely cut off from aid for more than two years, leaving communities with severe shortages of humanitarian assistance.
“The arrival of this convoy is a critical lifeline for children who have been cut off from assistance for far too long,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF representative in Sudan. “These supplies will allow UNICEF and our partners to continue lifesaving treatment for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and to restore access to safe water, healthcare and other essential services that every child has the right to. Reaching Dilling and Kadugli is a vital step toward ensuring that children in South Kordofan are not forgotten.”
Intensified hostilities and insecurity along the main Al Obeid–Dilling-Kadugli route forced the convoy to halt for more than 40 days, delaying the mission and exposing communities to further risk. The convoy ultimately reached Dilling by navigating a longer and more difficult off‑road passage.
“After weeks of delays and a difficult detour, these lifesaving supplies, including food assistance, are finally reaching Dilling and Kadugli. This shows what is possible when we can push forward with humanitarian convoys, even in extremely challenging conditions,” said Makena Walker, acting country director for WFP in Sudan. “Routes must stay open and predictable so vital assistance can reach people without interruption, including communities that have been cut off for far too long.”
UN agencies underscore that sustained, predictable and safe access is urgently required to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation across South Kordofan.
“The arrival of lifesaving medicine in South Kordofan is a huge relief for patients who have watched stocks dwindle during the war. But now the clock starts ticking again,” said Luca Renda, UNDP Sudan resident representative. “To keep patients alive, we have to ramp up support for national systems that can maintain regular deliveries all across Sudan, even while war continues.”
The UN calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate immediate, unimpeded humanitarian access to all civilians in need.
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About WFP
The World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world’s leading humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate extremes.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
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About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations build integrated, sustainable solutions for people and planet.
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This article was originally published on wfp.org
