World Vision’s History in Sudan

World Vision began its work in Sudan in 1972 through a partnership with the African Committee for Rehabilitation of the Southern Sudan (ACROSS) to provide emergency relief aid to war-affected families.

The 1980s brought constant turmoil to the Sudanese people as the civil war raged on and severe drought parched the country. In 1983, due to the outbreak of civil war, approximately 1,500 people were displaced daily from internal violence and drought. World Vision, through the ACROSS Refugee Settlement Project, responded by distributing blankets, grain, cooking oil, medical kits, and shelter to more than 50,000 people. Supplemental feeding for children also was provided.

Numerous development projects were initiated during this time that assisted communities in improved crop production, animal husbandry, health care, clean water collection, infrastructure repair, and literacy. In 1989, World Vision became a founding member of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS), a partnership of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies designated to coordinate the southern Sudan relief efforts.

During the 1990s World Vision conducted operations in all major regions of southern Sudan. Project objectives included primary health care, water provision, agriculture, local grain purchase, enterprise development, and emergency relief efforts. World Vision focused on an integrated work approach that involved peace and advocacy, gender development, church support, and environment and natural resource initiatives.

World Vision also began operations in Darfur, western Sudan in 2004, after conflict began in 2003.