In a conversation with Abdelmonem Makki UN newsShible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan explains the severity of the situation and how the organization is supporting the country’s health authorities and citizens.
Shible Sahbani: The war started in April 2023, which means that in a few days it will already last a thousand days. During that time the country collapsed a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, a security crisis, a displacement crisis, a famine-like crisis, but also a health crisis.
The weather and conditions in Sudan are conducive to the spread of malaria and dengue fever by mosquitoes. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and polio, are also currently being reported in many states.
Healthcare institutions are under attack, there is a shortage of medicines and supplies, and a lack of financial and human resources to operate healthcare. This means that the system is on the verge of collapse.
Sudan was once considered the food basket of the entire region. Today, the country is facing one of the world’s worst food crises, with more than 21 million people facing high levels of acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Children under the age of five and pregnant or breastfeeding women are particularly at risk: we estimate that by 2025, almost 800,000 children under the age of five will have suffered from severe acute malnutrition.
UN News: How is WHO supporting Sudanese health authorities?
Shible Sahbani: The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for coordinating the health response, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners. We provide expertise and technical support, as well as capacity building to respond to disease outbreaks, malnutrition, non-communicable diseases and mental health needs. Since the start of the war, WHO has provided approximately 3,000 tons of medical supplies worth approximately $33.3 million. We have also provided financial support to healthcare workers who have not received salaries, and fuel to generate electricity in healthcare facilities.
UN news: according to UNICEFVaccination rates in Sudan have fallen to their lowest level in four decades, and thousands of children have missed vaccination doses. What dangers does this pose to the children of Sudan?
Shible Sahbani: This reduction in coverage is one of the main reasons why vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria and polio are spreading across the country. Malnutrition and other health problems also reduce children’s immunity, seriously endangering their lives and futures.
© UNFPA Sudan
A looted healthcare facility in Darfur (file, 2024)
UN News: Can a further worsening of the health crisis be prevented?
Shible Sahbani: We must see Sudan as a country that needs to recover as quickly as possible. Sudan is a large country with a high population density and there are immediate needs. But we also need to strengthen the healthcare system. In this context, we are working with the government to develop a new early recovery and development strategy, and to strengthen resilience.
The eastern part of the country has remained stable and has not been directly affected by the war. But the massive influx of displaced people from other states has placed a significant burden on the healthcare system.
In the western part – especially Kordofan and Darfur – people are bombed and face serious security problems and serious problems in accessing healthcare. The central region, which also includes Al-Jazira, Khartoum and Sennar, has been severely affected by the war, but is now accessible.
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