sudan’s humanitarian Crisis Reaches a Grim Milestone: 1,000 Days of Conflict
The conflict in Sudan has reached its 1,000th day,creating a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented scale. Over 20 million people require health assistance, and a staggering 21 million face severe food insecurity. The crisis, marked by relentless violence, restricted access for aid organizations, and dwindling funding, has escalated into the world’s worst humanitarian emergency, with an estimated 33.7 million people needing aid in 2024 WHO.
Collapse of the Health System
The Sudanese health system is on the verge of complete collapse. Ongoing fighting, deliberate attacks on healthcare facilities, widespread displacement, critical shortages of medical supplies, and a lack of personnel and funding have severely crippled the nation’s ability to provide basic healthcare.Despite the tireless efforts of the World Health Association (WHO) and its partners to restore and revitalize health services, over one-third (37%) of health facilities are non-functional, denying millions access to essential and life-saving care WHO.
Since the conflict began in April 2023,the WHO has verified 201 attacks on healthcare,resulting in 1,858 deaths and 490 injuries. These attacks constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law, jeopardizing the safety of healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers, and hindering access to vital medical attention.
A system under Strain
“One thousand days of conflict in Sudan have driven the health system to the brink of collapse,” stated Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan. “Under the strain of disease, hunger and a lack of access to basic services, people face a devastating situation. WHO is doing what we can, where we can, and we know we are saving lives and rebuilding the health system. Despite the challenges, we are also working on recovery of the health system.”
Unprecedented Displacement and Disease Outbreaks
Sudan is now facing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with an estimated 13.6 million people forced to flee their homes UNHCR. This mass displacement,coupled with poor living conditions,overcrowding in displacement sites,and disruptions to essential services like water,sanitation,and hygiene,has fueled the rapid spread of infectious diseases.
the WHO is actively responding to outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, malaria, and measles.Cholera has been reported in all 18 states, dengue in 14, and malaria in 16, highlighting the widespread nature of these outbreaks. Access to both preventative and curative care, including treatment for chronic conditions and severe malnutrition, remains severely limited.
WHO’s Response and Ongoing Efforts
The WHO is collaborating with Sudan’s Federal and State Ministries of Health and partner organizations to improve access to critical health services and rebuild the healthcare system. Since April 2023,the WHO has delivered 3,378 metric tons of medicines and medical supplies,valued at approximately US$40 million,to 48 health partners. This includes essential items such as diagnostic tools, treatments for malnutrition, and medications for cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and emergency surgical procedures WHO.
Significant progress has also been made in vaccination efforts. Approximately 24 million people have received cholera vaccinations, and the WHO has supported the introduction and expansion of malaria vaccines nationwide. Moreover, over 3.3 million individuals have accessed healthcare services at WHO-supported hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and temporary mobile clinics. More than 112,400 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition with medical complications have received treatment at stabilization centers, all of which are supplied with life-saving nutritional support from the WHO.The WHO has also invested in strengthening state and national public health laboratories to improve disease surveillance and enable rapid response capabilities.
Challenges and the Path Forward
“As the relentless conflict renders some areas inaccessible, particularly in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, the population’s health needs continue to increase,” Dr. Sahbani emphasized. “To meet these mounting needs and prevent the crisis from spiraling out of hand, WHO and humanitarian partners require safe and unimpeded access to all areas of Sudan, and increased financial resources.”
The WHO urgently calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize a ceasefire and work towards a lasting peace for the people of Sudan. Without a resolution to the conflict, the humanitarian situation will continue to deteriorate, pushing the health system further to the brink and endangering the lives of millions.
