Sudan’s health system has suffered a staggering $11 billion in damages due to prolonged conflict, significantly jeopardizing the health and safety of the Sudanese population.
According to the World Health Organization, over 70% of health institutions have ceased operations as a result of the war, severely disrupting the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
In an interview with “Independent Arabia,” Sudanese Federal Health Minister Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim discussed the dire state of the health system.
Despite initial fears of a complete collapse in the early months of the conflict, the resilience of the health sector and support from various ministries and partners have kept it functional, albeit at a reduced capacity.
Minister Ibrahim revealed that the health sector has managed to sustain about 50% operational capacity across most states, with 400 out of 540 hospitals still partially or fully functional.
This includes regions in Darfur and areas under the control of the Rapid Support Forces. Immunization services and drug supplies have reached all states, though not at the desired level.
Addressing the extent of the destruction faced by medical facilities and equipment, particularly in the hardest-hit areas, Ibrahim noted that comprehensive damage assessments are still ongoing.
The loss encompasses ambulances, administrative vehicles, drug storage facilities, and medical equipment, amounting to the estimated $11 billion.
The centralization of healthcare services in Khartoum state has exacerbated the situation, a problem highlighted by the conflict. Minister Ibrahim emphasized the future health system reconstruction will focus on decentralization, ensuring equitable healthcare distribution across the country.
In terms of international aid, the minister voiced disappointment over the global response to calls for reconstructing destroyed hospitals. While there has been some local support, including a significant financial contribution from Sudan’s Ministry of Finance, international assistance has been lacking.
Despite the challenges, the health ministry has made strides in controlling the spread of epidemics that surged due to the war. Successful vaccination campaigns against cholera and measles have significantly reduced infection rates in recent months.
Minister Ibrahim’s revelations underline the urgent need for continued support and reconstruction efforts to restore Sudan’s healthcare system and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis effectively.
