Sudan’s Medical Supplies Fund Sustains Operations Despite War Losses Exceeding $500 Million

Khartoum –
A recent scientific study has documented the success of Sudan’s National Medical Supplies Fund in maintaining the flow of medicines and medical consumables to healthcare facilities despite devastating losses to the country’s health supply chain caused by the war that began in April 2023. The losses are estimated to have exceeded $500 million.

Published in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal in 2026, the study, titled “Experiences and Lessons on the Resilience and Sustainability of the Health Supply Chain During the War in Sudan,” examines the Fund’s efforts to ensure the continued availability of essential medicines and life-saving medical supplies amid widespread destruction, disrupted transport routes, and severe security and logistical challenges.

According to the study, the war resulted in the loss of more than 130 vehicles, alongside damage to warehouses and information systems, creating major obstacles to storage, transportation and distribution operations. Despite these challenges, the Fund managed to receive and distribute more than 27,600 tonnes of medicines and medical consumables valued at $123 million.

The study noted that the Fund covered 90% of operational health facilities in states and areas that remained accessible. It also restored 70% of the cold-chain capacity lost during the first months of the war, helping support the continuity of healthcare services.

The study further reported improved availability of several essential medicines and medical supplies in 2024 compared with 2023, particularly cancer medicines and dialysis supplies. These improvements were supported by efforts to diversify supply routes and strengthen storage and distribution through regional centres.

Sudan’s experience offers practical lessons on strengthening the resilience of health supply chains during conflict and other emergencies. However, the study stressed that significant challenges remain, particularly in financing, security and information flows, highlighting the need for additional support to ensure the sustainable supply of medicines and medical consumables.

The experience underscores the efforts required to keep healthcare services functioning under extraordinary circumstances. During the war, the Medical Supplies Fund’s mission extended beyond procuring and distributing medicines to helping ensure that patients continued to receive essential treatment despite the devastating impact of conflict.