The UN agency has revealed shocking figures related to attacks on health facilities in Sudan, stressing that the country records the highest percentage of global deaths linked to the targeting of the health sector, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
In a conversation with Abdelmonem Makki from PakinomistShible Sahbani, WHO representative in Sudan, explains the seriousness of the situation and how the organization is supporting the health authorities and the country’s citizens.
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 that time, the country has been thrown into 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 being reported in many states right now.
Health facilities are under attack, there are shortages of medicine and supplies, and a lack of financial and human resources to run health services. This means that the system is on the verge of collapse.
Sudan was once considered the breadbasket of the entire region. Today, it faces one of the most serious food crises in the world: more than 21 million people face high levels of acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Children under five and pregnant or breastfeeding women are particularly vulnerable: we estimate that almost 800,000 children under five will suffer from severe acute malnutrition by 2025.
Pakinomist: How does WHO support the Sudanese health authorities?
Shible Sahbani: The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for coordinating health efforts 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 delivered about 3,000 tons of medical supplies worth about $33.3 million. We have also provided cash support to health workers who have not received any salary and fuel to generate electricity at health facilities.
Pakinomist: According to UNICEF, vaccination rates in Sudan have fallen to their lowest level in 40 years and thousands of children have missed vaccination doses. What dangers does this pose to Sudan’s children?
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 conditions also make children less immune, putting their lives and futures at serious risk.
A looted health facility in Darfur (file, 2024)
Pakinomist: Can a further worsening of the health crisis be prevented?
Shible Sahbani: We need to think of Sudan as a country that needs to recover as quickly as possible. Sudan is a large country with a high population density and they have immediate needs. But we must also strengthen the health system. In this connection, we are working together with the government to develop a new strategy for early recovery and development 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 health facilities.
The western part – especially Kordofan and Darfur – is where people are being bombed and are facing serious security problems and serious problems accessing health services. The central region, which includes Al-Jazira, Khartoum and Sennar, has been badly affected by the war, but is now accessible.
