The UN is calling for an urgent pause in fighting in Sudan, especially in the besieged city of El Fasher, to deliver life-saving aid to families facing starvation. Food prices have soared, supply routes are blocked, and some residents are resorting to eating animal fodder, Xinhua reported.

Women and female-headed households are among the hardest hit, facing severe food insecurity and limited access to aid. Cholera is highly spreading and malnutrition rates are rising sharply.

The UN warns time is running out and urges donors to scale up funding and support, according to Xinhua.