The Conflict in Sudan has Devastated Health and Healthcare Systems

The Collapse of Sudan’s Healthcare Infrastructure

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on the country’s healthcare system, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. As the war rages on between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities have become the unfortunate casualties of the intense fighting.

The situation is dire, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that up to 80% of health facilities in conflict zones are either barely functional or completely shut down. This collapse of the healthcare infrastructure has had far-reaching consequences, impeding vital services such as child vaccination programs and exacerbating the spread of preventable diseases.

The impact on public health has been catastrophic, with surging cases of cholera and dengue fever across the country. In just a three-month period between July and October 2024, the UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported over 28,000 cholera cases and 836 deaths in 11 states. The actual number of infections is likely much higher due to underreporting.

The dengue fever outbreak has been particularly severe in Kassala and Khartoum, with 4,544 cases and 12 deaths reported as of late October 2024. These infectious disease outbreaks have been further compounded by the devastation of the region’s water and sanitation infrastructure, leaving communities vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

Attacks on Healthcare Facilities and Workers

The violence inflicted on Sudan’s healthcare system has been systematic and relentless. According to the WHO’s surveillance platform, there have been at least 116 documented incidents of attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict erupted in April 2023. These attacks have resulted in 188 deaths and 140 injuries, with medical staff, patients, and even ambulances becoming targets.

The Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces have both been implicated in these attacks, with reports of healthcare facilities being occupied, looted, and even bombed. Hospitals have been caught in the crossfire, with shells and airstrikes causing widespread damage and destruction.

The impact on healthcare workers has been particularly devastating. Many have been killed, kidnapped, or assaulted, leading to a severe shortage of medical personnel in the few facilities that remain operational. The fear and insecurity have driven many healthcare workers to flee, further crippling the already strained healthcare system.

The Devastating Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The collapse of Sudan’s healthcare system has had a disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable segments of the population, including women, children, and the chronically ill.

Pregnant women and young children have been particularly hard hit, with the closure of maternity wards and pediatric hospitals leaving them without access to essential care. The disruption of routine vaccination programs has left populations, especially children, vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Patients with chronic conditions, such as those requiring dialysis, have faced life-threatening consequences. In some cases, dialysis centers have been forced to shut down, leaving thousands of patients without the critical care they need. The shortage of medical supplies, including essential medications, has compounded the suffering of those already struggling with debilitating illnesses.

Rebuilding and Restoring Healthcare in Sudan

Restoring Sudan’s healthcare system will require a concerted effort from the international community, national authorities, and civil society organizations. Immediate action is needed to address the immediate humanitarian crisis, while long-term strategies must be developed to rebuild and strengthen the healthcare infrastructure.

Key priorities must include:

1. Securing Healthcare Facilities and Workers: Ensuring the safety and security of healthcare facilities and personnel must be a top priority. This may require the deployment of peacekeepers or the establishment of protected zones around medical centers.

2. Restoring Essential Services: Urgent efforts must be made to restore critical healthcare services, such as child vaccination programs, maternal and child health services, and care for chronic conditions. This will require the rapid deployment of medical supplies, equipment, and personnel.

3. Rebuilding Infrastructure: Damaged and destroyed healthcare facilities must be repaired or rebuilt, with a focus on improving the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare system.

4. Strengthening Community Engagement: Community-based initiatives and local organizations must be empowered to play a central role in the recovery and rebuilding process, ensuring that the healthcare system is responsive to the needs of the people.

5. Addressing the Root Causes: Ultimately, a lasting solution to the healthcare crisis in Sudan will require addressing the underlying political and social factors that have led to the conflict. Efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and good governance will be crucial in creating a stable environment for the healthcare system to thrive.

Conclusion

The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on the country’s healthcare system, leaving a trail of destruction and disruption in its wake. The systematic attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, the spread of infectious diseases, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations have all contributed to a dire humanitarian crisis.

Restoring Sudan’s healthcare system will require a coordinated, multi-faceted approach that prioritizes the immediate needs of the population while also laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable solutions. By securing healthcare facilities, restoring essential services, rebuilding infrastructure, and empowering local communities, the international community can play a crucial role in alleviating the suffering and ensuring that all Sudanese have access to the quality healthcare they deserve.

Recommendations for Action

1. Ceasefire and Restoration of Healthcare Services: Warring parties must immediately agree to a ceasefire and commit to the restoration of healthcare services as a matter of urgency. This includes ensuring the safe passage of medical personnel, supplies, and patients, as well as the protection of healthcare facilities.

2. Investigate and Prosecute Attacks on Healthcare: The International Criminal Court and national courts must initiate prosecutions for war crimes and crimes against humanity involving attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. This will help to establish a strong deterrent against such atrocities and promote accountability.

3. Increase Funding and Support for Healthcare Recovery: The international community must provide significant financial and technical support to rebuild and strengthen Sudan’s healthcare system. This includes the provision of medical equipment, supplies, and the deployment of specialized healthcare workers.

4. Empower Local Communities and Civil Society: Community-based organizations and local healthcare providers must be empowered to play a central role in the recovery and rebuilding process. This will ensure that the healthcare system is responsive to the needs of the people and builds on existing local expertise and knowledge.

5. Address the Underlying Causes of Conflict: Sustainable solutions to the healthcare crisis in Sudan will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, including issues of governance, resource allocation, and social inequities. Efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and inclusive development must be prioritized.

By taking these actions, the international community can help to alleviate the immense suffering caused by the conflict in Sudan and lay the foundation for a resilient, equitable, and accessible healthcare system that serves the needs of all Sudanese people.