The UN agency has revealed shocking figures related to attacks on health facilities in Sudan, highlighting that the country is recording the highest percentage of global deaths related to attacks on the health sector, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.
In a conversation with Abdelmonem Makki of PakGazetteShible Sahbani, WHO representative in Sudan, explains the seriousness of the situation and how the organization is supporting health authorities and citizens of the country.
Shible Sahbani: The war began in April 2023, which means that, in just a few days, it will have completed 1,000 days. In that time the country has been plunged into a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, a security crisis, a displacement crisis, a famine-like crisis, but also a health crisis.
The climate and conditions in Sudan favor the spread of malaria and dengue fever through mosquitoes. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and polio, are also being reported in many states.
Health facilities are under attack, there are shortages of medicines and supplies and a lack of financial and human resources to operate health services. This means that the system is on the verge of collapse.
Sudan was once considered the food basket 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 lactating women are at particular risk: we estimate that almost 800,000 children under five will have suffered from severe acute malnutrition by 2025.
PakGazette: How is WHO supporting Sudanese health authorities?
Shible Sahbani: The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for coordinating the health response, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners. We provide expertise and technical support, as well as capacity development to respond to disease outbreaks, malnutrition, non-communicable diseases and mental health needs. Since the start of the war, the WHO has provided around 3,000 metric tons of medical supplies worth approximately $33.3 million. We have also provided cash support to healthcare employees who have not received any salaries and fuel to generate electricity at healthcare facilities.
PakGazette: According to UNICEF, vaccination rates in Sudan have fallen to their lowest level in 40 years and thousands of children have not received vaccination doses. What dangers does this pose for Sudanese 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 future at serious risk.
A looted health center in Darfur (archive, 2024)
PakGazette: Can further deterioration of the health crisis be avoided?
Shible Sahbani: We have 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 has immediate needs. But we also need to strengthen the health system. In this regard, we are working 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 facing serious security concerns and serious difficulties in accessing health services. The central region, which includes Al-Jazira, Khartoum and Sennar, has been hit hard by the war, but is now accessible.
