Sudan Civil War Pushes Health System to Verge of Collapse

WHO is supporting Sudan’s health workers with essential drugs, trauma and surgical supplies, and fuel to maintain health services.

The war in Sudan has been tearing the country apart for almost 1,000 days, putting its health system under intolerable pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports widespread disease outbreaks, severe shortages, malnutrition, and rising deaths.

The UN agency has revealed shocking figures related to attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan, stressing that the country records the largest global percentage of deaths linked to targeting the health sector, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.

In a conversation with Abdelmonem Makki from UN News, Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan, explained the severity of the situation and how the organisation is supporting the health authorities and the Sudanese people.

Shible Sahbani: The war started in April 2023, which means that in a few days it will have been going on for 1,000 days. During this time, the country has faced a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, a security crisis, a displacement crisis, a famine-like crisis, and a health crisis.

The weather and conditions in Sudan favor the spread of malaria and dengue fever by mosquitoes. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio are also being reported in many states.

Healthcare facilities are being attacked, there is a shortage of medicines and supplies, and a lack of financial and human resources to operate health services. The system is now on the verge of collapse.

Sudan was once considered the food basket of the region. Today, it faces one of the most severe food crises in the world: more than 21 million people face acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women are particularly at risk. Nearly 800,000 children under five are projected to suffer severe acute malnutrition in 2025.

UN News: How is WHO supporting the Sudanese health authorities?

Shible Sahbani: WHO coordinates the health response, working with the Ministry of Health and other partners. We provide expertise, technical support, and capacity building to respond to disease outbreaks, malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and mental health needs. Since the start of the war, WHO has delivered about 3,000 metric tonnes of medical supplies worth $33.3 million. We also provide cash support for healthcare employees who have not received salaries and fuel to generate electricity at healthcare facilities.

UN News: Vaccination rates in Sudan have fallen to their lowest level in 40 years. What dangers does this pose for children?

Shible Sahbani: This drop in coverage is one of the main reasons vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio are spreading. Malnutrition and other health conditions reduce immunity, putting children’s lives and futures at grave risk.

Looting and destruction have forced some clinics to cease operations, with healthcare staff delivering services directly to women and girls at their homes where security allows.

UN News: Can further deterioration of the health crisis be prevented?

Shible Sahbani: Sudan needs rapid recovery. The country has a high population density and urgent needs. We are working with the government on a strategy for early recovery and to strengthen health system resilience.

The eastern part of Sudan has remained relatively stable, but the massive influx of displaced people has burdened health facilities. The western regions, especially Kordofan and Darfur, face bombings, security threats, and severe difficulty accessing health services. The central region, including Al-Jazira, Khartoum, and Sennar, has been heavily affected by the war but is now accessible.