World Bank, WHO, and UNICEF join forces to strengthen health services in Sudan

SUDAN— The World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed an agreement worth US$82 million.

The initiative aims to provide critical health services to over 8 million vulnerable people and bolster the country’s fragile health system.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has left more than 70% of hospitals and health facilities in affected areas non-operational.

 Many have been damaged, destroyed, or left without the necessary supplies to function.

Health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other essential staff, have not received salaries for months, further crippling the delivery of healthcare services.

Security concerns and restricted access have also disrupted vaccine deliveries and routine immunization campaigns, putting millions at risk.

Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan, highlighted the importance of this collaboration.

He noted that the Sudan Health Assistance and Response in Emergencies (SHARE) project demonstrates WHO’s commitment to ensuring access to essential health services, especially during crises.

Dr. Sahbani emphasized that investing in preparedness and resilience will lead to a more robust and sustainable healthcare system in Sudan.

Adding to this, UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett stressed that essential social service systems for vulnerable children and families are on the verge of collapse.

However, by working together, the partners aim to rebuild these systems and deliver lifesaving health and nutrition services to children in desperate need.

With support from the World Bank, WHO, and UNICEF, the project will address immediate health challenges while laying the foundation for long-term improvements.

Key interventions include providing essential medicines, training healthcare workers, and ensuring access to maternal, newborn, and child health services.

Efforts will also focus on treating severe malnutrition, strengthening vaccination campaigns, and reaching displaced and host communities through regular outreach.

The project will further invest in disease surveillance, equip emergency operations centers, and train rapid response teams to enhance preparedness.

Additionally, it will support survivors of gender-based violence by providing first-line healthcare and referrals.

This collaborative effort offers hope for millions in Sudan, aiming not only to address urgent health needs but also to build a resilient healthcare system for the future.

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