The World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have joined forces to strengthen Sudan’s ailing health system. A recent agreement worth US$82 million aims to enhance access to essential health services for over 8 million vulnerable individuals in Sudan.
The country’s health system is reeling, with over 70% of hospitals and health facilities in conflict-impacted areas out of service. Frontline workers have gone months without salaries, and vaccine distribution has been severely hindered by security issues and restricted access.
Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan, emphasized the significance of the project, stating that it “exemplifies WHO’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Sudan have access to vital health services, especially in times of crisis.”
The partnership seeks to address urgent health needs while laying the groundwork for long-term system improvements. Key objectives include:
- Providing Essential Medicines: Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to life-saving medications.
- Mentoring and Training Health Workers: Enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver quality services.
- Delivering Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services: Providing critical health and nutrition services to mothers, newborns, and children.
- Treating Severe Malnutrition: Addressing malnutrition cases and providing necessary care.
- Strengthening Vaccination Campaigns: Enhancing immunization efforts to reach more vulnerable children and families.
This collaborative effort marks a crucial step towards revitalizing Sudan’s health system and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the essential healthcare services they desperately need.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
