The UN agency has reported alarming statistics regarding attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan, highlighting that the country records the highest percentage of global deaths related to the targeting of the health sector, in blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
In a discussion with Abdelmonem Makki from UN News, Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan, outlines the gravity of the situation and the support the organization provides to health authorities and citizens.
Shible Sahbani: The conflict began in April 2023, signifying that it is nearing 1,000 days of ongoing crisis. During this period, the nation has experienced a rapidly worsening humanitarian, security, displacement, famine-like, and health crisis.
Sudan’s climate facilitates the spread of malaria and dengue fever via mosquitoes. There are also current reports of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio across many states.
Healthcare facilities face attacks, with shortages in medicines and supplies, alongside insufficient financial and human resources, pushing the health system to the brink of collapse.
Once known as the region’s food basket, Sudan now encounters one of the most severe food crises worldwide: over 21 million people endure acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Particularly at risk are children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women, with nearly 800,000 children under five predicted to suffer severe acute malnutrition in 2025.
UN News: How is WHO assisting the Sudanese health authorities?
Shible Sahbani: WHO is tasked with coordinating the health response, collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other partners. We offer expertise, technical support, and capacity building to address disease outbreaks, malnutrition, non-communicable diseases, and mental health needs. Since the war’s onset, WHO has provided roughly 3,000 metric tonnes of medical supplies valued at about $33.3 million. We’ve also supplied cash support for healthcare workers without salaries and fuel for electricity at healthcare facilities.
UN News: According to UNICEF, Sudan’s vaccination rates have dropped to a 40-year low, leaving thousands of children without necessary vaccination doses. What risks does this pose to Sudanese children?
Shible Sahbani: This decline in coverage is a significant reason for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, diphtheria, and polio across the nation. Malnutrition and other health conditions further compromise children’s immunity, severely endangering their lives and futures.
A looted health care facility in Darfur (file, 2024)
UN News: Can further deterioration of the health crisis be avoided?
Shible Sahbani: Sudan needs a swift recovery plan. As a large, densely populated country, Sudan has urgent needs but also requires strengthening its health system. We are collaborating with the government to formulate a new strategy for early recovery and development to enhance resilience.
The eastern region remains stable and unaffected by the conflict but faces a considerable strain on health facilities due to the influx of displaced people. The western region – especially Kordofan and Darfur – undergoes severe bombing and security threats, complicating access to health services. The central area, including Al-Jazira, Khartoum, and Sennar, was heavily impacted by the war but is now accessible.
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