World Bank, WHO, UNICEF agree $82M for Sudan

January 13, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – The World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed a $82 million agreement to improve access to critical health services for more than 8 million vulnerable people across war-hit Sudan.

The fund, according to a joint statement, will also strengthen the health system in the country.

More than 70% of hospitals and health facilities in conflict-affected areas in Sudan are reportedly non-operational, having either been damaged or destroyed during the conflict or lack supplies.

In addition, frontline workers, including nurses, doctors and other essential staff, have not been paid in months while insecurity and lack of access have hindered the delivery of vaccine supplies and routine immunization activities in most parts of the country.

“The Sudan Health Assistance and Response in Emergencies (SHARE) project exemplifies WHO’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Sudan have access to vital health services, especially in times of crisis. By investing in preparedness and resilience, we are paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable health system,” said WHO Representative in Sudan Dr. Shible Sahbani.

“In Sudan, the systems providing vulnerable children and families with essential social services are on the brink of a collapse,” said UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett, adding, “By working shoulder to shoulder, we can invest in rebuilding them and provide lifesaving health care and nutrition services to children who desperately need them amid the ongoing conflict.”

With support from the World Bank, UNICEF, WHO and partners on the ground will work together to address urgent health needs while laying the groundwork for long-term system improvements.

The agencies will provide essential medicines; mentor and train health workers; help deliver a minimum package of maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services; treat severe malnutrition; and strengthen vaccination campaigns and regular outreach to reach more vulnerable children and families in displaced and host communities.

Additionally, the statement noted, agencies will support the delivery of health and nutrition services through community platforms and help survivors of gender-based violence through first line health care, including referrals to specialists.

Partners, it added, will also invest in enhancing disease surveillance systems, equipping emergency operations centres and training rapid response teams to strengthen health system preparedness and emergency response in vulnerable communities.

(ST)

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