Protecting Mothers and Children in Sudan

Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and their young children are particularly vulnerable in economic and humanitarian crises

In her family's small compound in rural Wasat Al Gadaref, eastern Sudan, Alawiya sits surrounded by her five children, chopping onions to prepare a traditional Sudanese meal. Her older children pass her what she needs — water, salt, utensils — moving quietly in a rhythm shaped by daily routine.

Alawiya, who has lived with a disability since she was just 7 years old, cares for her children with remarkable resilience. Her eldest daughter, Nariman, 13, helps with household chores, washing dishes while the younger ones take turns carrying Rokaya, the youngest.

Like many parents in their community, Alawiya and her husband struggle to provide enough food for their children. The family relies on her husband’s irregular income, living day to day.

The message that changed everything

One afternoon, while sitting in her house, Alawiya heard an announcement from a community health worker using a megaphone.

“They said pregnant and lactating mothers should come to the health facility for registration,” she recalls.

What she did not know was that the SANAD cash grant program supported by UNICEF in partnership with the World Bank had just reached her community.

Unconditional cash transfers give parents the flexibility to prioritize their children's most urgent needs

In 2025, the program expanded to Gedaref State, targeting vulnerable pregnant and lactating women, including those with disabilities. At health facilities, women are registered for cash assistance and linked to essential health and nutrition services for their children, especially during the first 1,000 days, from pregnancy to the age of 2, a critical window for growth and development.

With support from her husband, Alawiya arrived early at the nearby Terfa primary health care center to register.

“I was happy to be included and given priority during registration,” she says. 

Within a short time, she was enrolled. Since then, she has received two flexible cash transfers of 236,000 Sudanese pounds each (about $786 total) sent directly to the phone. This support has made a huge difference for her family.

“The money helped us a lot,” Alawiya explains. "When it came, we bought everything we needed — food, water, soap, everything.”

Learn more about the power of humanitarian cash transfers

Beyond cash

The SANAD program goes beyond financial support.

At Terfa primary health care center, 1-year-old Rokaya receives routine immunization, nutrition screening and care. The rest of the family can also access essential health services and medicines free of charge.

At the same facility, Alawiya participates in mother support group sessions, where women learn how to prepare balanced and nutritious meals for their children to help prevent malnutrition.

Learn more about how UNICEF supports children in Sudan

Better diets for healthier children

As Alawiya stirs a pot of peanut sauce mixed with greens, her children wait patiently. Soon, she will serve the meal with pieces of bread — simple, but more nutritious than before.

For mothers like Alawiya, unconditional cash support means being able to afford food, water and basic essentials, while also accessing lifesaving health services for their children.

Since its inception, the SANAD integrated cash program, now operating in Red Sea, Gedaref and Northern states, has reached more than 182,000 household members with cash and services. The program is helping to address food insecurity, improve health outcomes, reduce malnutrition and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable families.

Across Sudan, an estimated 4.2 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2026, including more than 825,000 severe cases, which can be deadly if left untreated. 

Help UNICEF reach more children in need

This story was adapted from UNICEF Sudan