Khartoum, 16 September 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is rapidly scaling up efforts to restore water, power, healthcare and livelihoods in Khartoum, supported by a newly opened office in Omdurman.

“The clock is ticking as people return to Khartoum and it is essential to get basic services up and running as soon as possible,” said Luca Renda, UNDP Resident Representative in Sudan. “Back in April, UNDP was among the first UN agencies to restart operations in the city, and the situation has only become more urgent. This new temporary office will help us scale up our efforts as we repair permanent facilities, which are expected to be ready by the end of the year.”

With over two million people projected to return to Khartoum in the coming months, the city faces immense pressure on already strained resources, raising the risk of disease outbreaks and conflict.

Electricity and water supplies are highly unreliable and healthcare is overstretched. The war has destroyed homes and businesses for thousands of families and unexploded ordnance, often hidden under mountains of rubble, threatens civilians as they try to restart their lives.

To address these urgent challenges, UNDP is employing 1,750 people, including women and youth, on cash-for-work programmes to clear roads and reopen access to businesses and services. This follows a similar effort in Omdurman earlier this year that employed over 2,000.

With funding from the Global Fund, UNDP is operating mobile primary healthcare units that offer free services ranging from maternal and child healthcare to HIV and TB testing and treatment. UNDP is also supplying oxygen cylinders and ventilators to intensive care units, providing training and equipment to health professionals, distributing protective equipment for health staff and rehabilitating medical facilities.

To boost access to water and improve livelihoods, UNDP is solarizing water wells and supporting small businesses and farmers across the greater Khartoum area, which will benefit 30,000 people.

Women victims of gender-based violence are receiving targeted support through new safe houses that provide counselling and legal aid, while work with the police is strengthening their capacity to respond.

UNDP remains committed to working with local authorities, communities and partners to restore essential services and support the safe return and recovery of millions of Sudanese.