Since the eruption of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023, there has been escalating and widespread violence and dire hardships for the population. Thousands of lives have been lost, and millions have been displaced within the country and beyond its borders, leading to one of the world’s largest displacement crises. This ongoing conflict has severely impacted Sudan's health system, deeming it incapable of meeting the population's needs and providing access to basic care.

In May 2024, EMPHNET’s delegation visited Sudan to better understand the situation, and to identify Sudan’s humanitarian and health needs. During the mission, 15 sites were visited, and meetings were also held with displaced families, partners, and with officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH). The findings revealed a significant gap between the urgent needs of the population and the available resources and capacities.  

To address this gap, EMPHNET has developed the “Sudan Support Plan,” which is driven by three key priorities including: responding to current needs, strengthening the health system during and post-conflict, and mobilizing resources to bridge existing gaps.

Within this plan, EMPHNET is coordinating a three-month campaign supported by a Preparatory Committee comprising 30 health experts and professionals, including Sudanese and non-Sudanese, along with representatives from various international and regional organizations, including the MoH. This committee is organized into three Technical Working Groups (TWGs), focusing on current health priorities and identified gaps, examining successful health interventions in conflict areas to recommend strategies for building a resilient post-conflict health system, and advocacy and resource mobilization. These working groups have proposed 28 project-based recommendations.

As part of this effort, an “International Campaign to Support the Health Sector in Sudan” was launched. The campaign aims to raise awareness among regional and international partners about the ongoing humanitarian and health crisis in Sudan and to mobilize resources in order to meet the health needs of Sudanese inside and outside the country.

This campaign seeks immediate and long-term support for rebuilding Sudan’s health system by fostering stakeholder collaboration. Importantly, it is designed to enhance coordination and collaboration among partners rather than simply pooling resources. Each partner is encouraged to contribute within their capacity and regulations while aligning efforts for a more cohesive response.

The campaign's first milestone is a virtual forum scheduled for August 27, 2024. This forum will bring together experts and interested stakeholders to advocate for the Sudan humanitarian and health crisis, and to present the recommended interventions and actions. A follow-up international forum will be held at EMPHNET’s upcoming regional conference in September, where a comprehensive plan to support Sudan's health sector is expected to be unveiled.

The following steps of the campaign will focus on presenting the proposed projects in an accessible hub, mapping interested stakeholders and partners, and proactively communicating with relevant parties.

Register here to attend the Virtual Forum.