Sudan says 75 per cent of its health facilities resume operations

Sudan's Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim said on Sunday that about 75 per cent of the country's hospitals and primary healthcare facilities have resumed operations after extensive war damage, and $293 million in international funding has been secured to support the sector's recovery. Speaking at a press conference in Khartoum, Ibrahim said while wartime efforts focused on emergency care, the current phase marks a shift toward rebuilding the health system, particularly after the ministry's return to the capital. He said the ministry is implementing a plan to restore and expand health services across the country, adding that a rebuilding initiative, dubbed the "Hope Strategy," with support from the World Health Organisation, is set to be launched on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening primary and specialised healthcare services nationwide. More To Read 15 civilians killed in RSF attack in Sudan's North Kordofan Sudan's women forced to risk drone attacks by day, sexual violence by night to fetch water Nearly 4.7 million Sudanese return home as security improves - IOM report Sudan blames suspension of Ethiopian electricity imports among factors driving nationwide power cuts UN Chief calls for end to exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, warning illicit trade is fueling conflicts IGAD warns uncoordinated Sudan peace efforts could derail political settlement He also said the ministry has signed financing agreements worth more than $293 million with international institutions and development banks, in addition to securing commitments of about $150 million over the next three years. The agreements include an $83 million project with the World Bank, two projects worth $70 million with the African Development Bank, and a $140 million agreement with the Global Fund to support malaria and HIV/AIDS control programmes, as well as immunisation and vaccination systems, according to him. Sudan's health sector has faced severe challenges since conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. Hundreds of health facilities have been damaged or closed, disrupting supply chains and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles, dengue fever, and malaria. Latest Stories From candidate nominations to final approval: How the next UN secretary-general will be picked MPs push for legal reforms to give Controller of Budget powers to track housing levy funds Somalia to expand instant payment system with banks, mobile money and regional networks Harambee Starlets suffer 4-0 defeat to hosts Morocco in WAFCON opener