On Monday, the Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, launched vaccines for the population of Sudan ravaged by war, making it the first country in The WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region will benefit.
Malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in Sudan, which has one of the highest malaria rates in the region. The disease is estimated to have claimed around 7,900 lives in Sudan in 2023.although the actual number of victims may be higher due to the ongoing conflict between rival armies.
The launch follows the arrival of the first shipment of 186,000 doses to Sudan in October and the campaign will begin in 15 health centers in Gedaref and Blue Nile states, benefiting more than 148,000 children under 12 months of age. In 2025 and 2026, the vaccine will be introduced in another 129 locations.
Tool to save lives
“He The opportunity offered by the introduction of the vaccine into the national immunization program is enormous.”said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Sudan.
“This vaccine is a critical new tool in our toolkit to fight child mortality,” he continued. The conflict in Sudan has made access to healthcare a challenge.
An unprecedented 11 million people have been internally displaced and more than 70 percent of hospitals in conflict zones are no longer operational. While vaccination rates had reached 85 percent before the war, they have now plummeted to around 50 percent.
Low vaccination coverage and frequent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, malaria, measles and polio are exposing millions of unvaccinated children to deadly but preventable diseases.
strategic plan
The Federal Ministry of Health has developed extensive plans to ensure successful implementation, including training health workers, engaging communities and strengthening cold chain capacity to safeguard vaccine quality.
Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan, added that “WHO continues to advocate for comprehensive malaria interventions, integrating vaccination with other preventive measures,” emphasizing a multifaceted approach.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine not only represents a decisive step in protecting the lives of countless children, but also symbolizes hope for a healthier future in the midst of adversity,” said Anne Cronin, senior national director at Gavi. for Sudan.
