World Bank Supports Healthcare in Sudan
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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) have announced that they will receive 82 million to provide healthcare services to 8 million people in Sudan.
In a joint statement issued two days ago, WHO and UNICEF stated:
"The World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) have signed an 82 million agreement to improve access to essential healthcare services for more than 8 million vulnerable people across Sudan and to strengthen the country’s healthcare system."
Under this agreement, WHO will receive 19.5 million, while UNICEF will receive 62.5 million.
According to the statement, the funding will enable the provision of essential medicines, training for healthcare workers, and the delivery of a minimum package of maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition services. It will also support the treatment of severe acute malnutrition, enhance vaccination campaigns, and facilitate community outreach to reach more at-risk children and families in displaced and host communities. Additionally, the funds will support the provision of health and nutrition services through community platforms and assist survivors of gender-based violence through primary healthcare services, including referrals to specialists.
The statement further noted that part of the funding will be invested in strengthening disease surveillance systems, equipping emergency operations centers, and training rapid response teams to improve the healthcare system’s preparedness and emergency response in vulnerable communities.
Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan, stated:
"The Sudan Health Assistance and Emergency Response (SHARE) project embodies WHO’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Sudan have access to essential health services, especially during times of crisis. By investing in preparedness and resilience, we are paving the way for a stronger and more sustainable healthcare system."
UNICEF Representative in Sudan, Sheldon Yett, added:
"In Sudan, the systems that provide essential social services to vulnerable children and families are on the verge of collapse. But by working together, we can invest in rebuilding these systems and delivering life-saving health and nutrition services to children who need them most amid the ongoing conflict."
UNICEF estimates that 3.4 million children under the age of five are at risk of contracting epidemic diseases, including measles, malaria, pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and cholera.
Additionally, more than 24.6 million people across Sudan are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. Famine has been reported in at least five areas of Sudan, particularly in Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Salam camps in North Darfur, as well as in western Nuba Mountains, affecting both residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
