Federal Ministry of Health: A Year of Resilience and Achievements Driving Sudan’s Health System Recovery

Report by: Haffiya Elyas

Performance Report (June 2025 – June 2026) Highlights Expanded Healthcare Services, Effective Outbreak Response, and Accelerated Digital Transformation Despite the Challenges of War
Sudan’s health sector witnessed a pivotal phase of recovery between June 2025 and June 2026, as the Federal Ministry of Health succeeded in maintaining and expanding essential health services despite the severe challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

This progress was achieved through strong national and international partnerships, effective emergency response plans, and reform programs designed to strengthen the resilience of the country’s health system.

The Ministry’s executive performance report highlights significant progress in primary healthcare, specialized medical services, disease control, digital transformation, pharmaceutical supply, and workforce capacity building.

Primary Healthcare: Sustaining Essential Services Amid Conflict
The Ministry maintained 100% coverage of essential primary healthcare services throughout the conflict, demonstrating the health system’s ability to continue delivering critical services under exceptionally difficult circumstances.

In maternal and child health, neonatal care services were introduced in 250 health facilities, while emergency obstetric and maternity services improved by 77%. Reproductive health services continued to operate at 56% coverage despite the crisis. Healthcare services were also expanded to 45 additional villages, the Kangaroo Mother Care model was introduced in 13 hospitals, eight major hospitals were supported with comprehensive emergency obstetric services, and maternal death surveillance systems were activated in 10 health facilities.

*Major Successes in Immunization and Disease Control:

The Ministry continued nationwide vaccination and disease prevention campaigns, immunizing more than 4.6 million children against polio, achieving 106% coverage. The nationwide measles and rubella vaccine introduction campaign reached 93% coverage.
More than 12 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets were distributed for malaria prevention, over 16,000 pilgrims received preventive vaccinations before Hajj, and extensive cholera prevention campaigns were implemented across several states.

The report also recorded a 100% response rate to cholera and dengue fever outbreaks. Cholera isolation centers were rehabilitated and brought back into operation at 200% of the planned target, while five state-level public health emergency operations centers became operational. Ambulances were deployed to border crossings, and thousands of Ebola awareness and risk communication materials were produced.
Specialized Medical Services Saving Thousands of Lives
Specialized healthcare services continued despite immense pressure on the health system.

More than 51,000 dialysis sessions were provided to over 6,000 patients, while 1,801 cardiac catheterization procedures and 6,449 free cardiac surgeries were successfully performed.
In cancer care, nearly 2,900 patients received chemotherapy, and 944 patients benefited from radiotherapy, reflecting the continuity of advanced medical services throughout the reporting period.

*Strengthening Medical Supply and Ensuring Medicine Availability:

The medical supply sector recorded notable progress, with the distribution of 17,323 tons of medical products valued at more than SDG 128 billion. Additional investments were made in medicines, medical consumables, and medical equipment.

The Ministry secured 77% of the national strategic medicine stock, 84% of essential medical consumables, and 90% of intravenous fluids, contributing significantly to the stability of pharmaceutical supplies and uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

*Digital Transformation and Capacity Building:

The Ministry continued implementing its digital transformation agenda by uploading 4,420 health reports through the national District Health Information System (DHIS2). Utilization of the system increased by 1,238% compared with the baseline period, while digital transformation projects were implemented in three referral hospitals.
Capacity-building efforts included training 2,093 healthcare workers on infection prevention and control protocols, preparing eight hospitals as patient safety training centers, and assessing infection prevention and control standards in 20 hospitals across 10 states.

*International Partnerships Supporting Health Recovery:

The Ministry strengthened collaboration with international partners, enabling Sudan to secure a US$139.3 million Global Fund grant to support national health programs, in addition to US$20 million in direct support for specialized national health centers.
More than 80 national and international organizations contributed to communicable disease control programs. Eleven multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment units were activated across 11 states, alongside the establishment of two new diagnostic and treatment centers.

*Declining Mortality and Positive Recovery Indicators:

Among the report’s most significant outcomes was a 67% reduction in in-hospital mortality, reflecting measurable improvements in the quality of healthcare services and the effectiveness of medical and preventive interventions despite the continued impact of the conflict.
The Federal Ministry of Health’s performance report for June 2025 to June 2026 demonstrates the resilience and gradual recovery of Sudan’s health system.

The Ministry successfully maintained essential health services, expanded immunization programs, strengthened epidemic preparedness and response, enhanced specialized healthcare, improved pharmaceutical supply systems, and accelerated digital transformation.

These achievements represent important milestones in Sudan’s health recovery journey while underscoring the continued need for sustained international support and increased investment to ensure the long-term sustainability of health services and advance universal health coverage across the country.