Artificial Intelligence Reveals the Deteriorating Health Crisis in Sudan
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Sudan is witnessing an unprecedented collapse of its healthcare system, as the ongoing conflict since April 2023 has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Below is a comprehensive report highlighting key aspects of the health crisis as of May 2025:
Collapse of the Healthcare System
Widespread Shutdown of Health Facilities:
Approximately 70% to 80% of health facilities are non-operational, particularly in Khartoum and Darfur, due to direct attacks, lack of supplies, and shortage of medical staff.
Attacks on Health Facilities:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 156 attacks on health facilities since the conflict began, resulting in 318 deaths and 273 injuries.
Disease Outbreaks and Epidemics
Cholera:
Sudan experienced a new cholera wave in May 2025, claiming 172 lives and infecting over 2,500 people in a single week, with widespread outbreaks in Khartoum, Omdurman, and other states.
Measles and Malaria:
Outbreaks of measles have been reported in 11 states, alongside the spread of malaria and dengue fever, particularly in displacement camps lacking access to clean water and sanitation.
Children and Malnutrition
Malnutrition Rates:
Around 1.3 million children are at risk of starvation, with an estimated 770,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition.
Vaccination Campaigns:
Despite the challenges, UNICEF has vaccinated over 577,000 children against measles and provided primary healthcare services to approximately 781,600 children and their families in the first half of 2024.
Response Efforts and Local Initiatives
Local Response:
With international organizations struggling to access affected areas, Sudanese citizens have established more than 600 community-led emergency rooms to provide food, healthcare, and education to those in need.
Role of International Organizations:
The World Health Organization and UNICEF continue supporting the health system through vaccination campaigns and the provision of medical supplies, despite significant security and logistical challenges.
Key Figures
People in Need of Health Assistance:
Approximately 20 million people are in urgent need of healthcare.
Number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs):
Over 10.8 million people have been displaced within Sudan—making it the world’s largest internal displacement crisis.
Estimated Death Toll:
Estimates indicate that the death toll in Khartoum state alone has exceeded 61,000 during the first 14 months of the conflict.
Urgent Recommendations
Protect Health Facilities:
Immediate cessation of attacks on health facilities and protection of medical personnel.
Increase Funding and International Support:
Scale up financial and logistical support for humanitarian organizations to expand the response.
Facilitate Access to Aid:
Open safe humanitarian corridors to ensure the delivery of medical and food supplies.
