Public health consequences of armed conflict in Sudan in the face of global donor fatigue

Abstract

AbstractSudan, a country located in northeastern Africa, is grappling with a profound health crisis resulting from the recent war that erupted on April 15, 2023. This conflict has inflicted significant damage on the country's health system, particularly through the destruction of healthcare infrastructure. Approximately 61% of health facilities have been destroyed, leaving only 16% operating optimally in Khartoum. Hospitals and clinics, vital for public health, have become targets of violence, exacerbating the challenges faced by the nation. The World Health Organization has noted the closure of roughly 16 hospitals since the start of the conflicts due to staff safety concerns as well as a shortage of hospital supplies, consumables, and medication. There has also been a gradual waning of donor support and resources allocated to address protracted crises and emergencies worldwide Sudan receives very little funding from donor organizations to maintain its healthcare system, which worsens the nation's general public health architecture. This makes the country vulnerable to serious challenges like disease outbreaks, starvation, infectious diseases, deteriorating health infrastructure, and mental health issues. To successfully reduce the severity of negative impacts on public health, the crisis must be ceased and facilities reopened. An emergency disease surveillance system for infectious diseases should be established, women and child health should be prioritized, and mental health awareness programs and services should be implemented. The global community must support the efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of this crisis. This article aims to highlight the critical impact of the recent war on Sudan's healthcare, advocating for urgent measures, including facility reopening, disease surveillance, and global support to mitigate devastating consequences.