Amid the escalating conflict in Sudan and its impact on the country’s health system, EMPHNET is contributing to the response efforts by launching the “International Campaign to Support the Health Sector in Sudan.” This three-month Support Campaign aimed to provide both immediate and long-term support for Sudan’s health system. The campaign focuses on fostering collaboration among stakeholders and partners, aligning their efforts for a unified and coordinated response. On August 27, 2024, EMPHNET marked a significant milestone in this campaign with a virtual forum.

The forum aimed to advocate for the Sudan humanitarian and health crisis, highlight the ongoing response and relief efforts by various stakeholders, and address the challenges faced by humanitarian workers. It also focused on identifying immediate and long-term interventions, and emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between needs and available resources through collaboration, with each party contributing according to its capacities.

This forum was led by four subject experts namely: the Sudan Federal Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Heitham Awadalla; International Health Director at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Dr. Alaa Mudathir; President of the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA), Dr. Yasir Elamin; and Director of EMPHNET’s Public Health Emergency Management Center, Dr. Haitham Bashier. The session was moderated by EMPHNET Executive Director, Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour. Additionally, other distinguished participants contributed valuable input and reflections to the discussions.

In his presentation, Dr.  Haitham Bashier introduced the Sudan Support Plan and explained the incentives and urgent needs for launching this campaign. He also discussed the establishment of a preparatory committee, whose members were divided into three Technical Working Groups (TWGs). Each TWG focused on a specific area to ensure that group members could contribute effectively to their relevant fields. Additionally, he showcased the recommendation-based projects proposed by these TWGs.

From his end, H.E. Dr. Haitham Awadalla provided an overview of the health crisis in Sudan, sharing figures related to displaced people, the burden of diseases, accessibility issues, and underfunding. He then highlighted key areas that require support, and areas currently being addressed. These areas include medicines and supplies, health care financing, the health workforce, and maternal and child health programs. H.E. Dr. Haitham also outlined the anticipated health challenges, such as the environmental impact of the conflict, the lack of qualified and trained personnel, and the risk of emerging and re-emerging epidemics.

In the third presentation, titled “Health and Humanitarian Needs and Priority Interventions in Sudan,” Dr. Alaa Mudathir outlined the top five health priorities and their associated costs. These priorities include ensuring the supply of essential and life-saving medicines, maintaining emergency basic health services in hospitals, and coordinating responses with UN agencies and NGOs, among others.

Dr. Alaa highlighted the roles of different parties within the ministry in responding to these priorities and discussed the challenges faced. She also emphasized opportunities for action, inviting interested parties to contribute effectively. Additionally, she stressed on the importance of incorporating a developmental perspective into interventions to ensure that future needs are also addressed.

The forum’s fourth speaker, Dr. Yasir Elamin, began his presentation by sharing photos that highlighted the real damage on the ground. He emphasized that Sudan has a vibrant civil society and outlined the role of civil society organizations in delivering health services and supporting health care facilities across the country. Dr. Yasir also used SAPA as a case study to illustrate how such organization can make an impact, despite significant challenges.

Following the presentations, a series of fruitful discussions took place. Participants representing various organizations shared their reflections and advocated for addressing the Sudan humanitarian crisis. These discussions highlighted diverse perspectives and proposed collaborative strategies to enhance the response and support for Sudan's urgent needs.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mohannad Al Nsour emphasized the significance of this campaign, focusing on the need to collaborate in supporting the health sector in Sudan during the crisis. However, he also stressed that while these efforts are crucial, it is equally important to advocate for an end to such crises by calling for and creating petitions.

This forum was attended by over 240 public health professionals. These professionals represented different entities from the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond. Building on the discussed recommendations, a follow-up international forum will be held at EMPHNET’s upcoming regional conference in September.