Italy contributes 3.5 million Euros to boost Sudan’s health emergency response

The Government of Italy, through has contributed €3.5 million to the World Health Organization for strengthening Sudan’s health emergency response.

The funds from Rome channeled through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, will also support Federal Ministry of Health lifesaving public health interventions across 15 states.

The three-year initiative aims to improve access to essential health services for conflict-affected populations, strengthen preparedness and response to public health emergencies and mitigate the impact of the ongoing conflict on Sudan’s health system.

It will support Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, enhance health authorities’ capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks and expand vaccination campaigns to address gaps in immunization.

More than 3 million people are expected to benefit from the Italian funds, including over 730,000 people who will be reached through vaccination campaigns, including children who will receive catch-up vaccinations after missing routine immunization due to conflict and displacement.

“This funding is part of Italy’s longstanding support and commitment to the health sector in Sudan,” said Silvio Mignano, Italy’s Ambassador to Sudan.

“Health is the basis of human well-being and Italy is committed to supporting the effort to improve access to health care for Sudan’s people, even in these most difficult times.”

The contribution comes as conflict continues to disrupt health services across Sudan and humanitarian needs are growing.

In 2026, 33.7 million people in Sudan will need humanitarian assistance, including 21 million in need of health assistance. Close to 40 percent of health facilities are non-functional across Sudan, rising to 70–80 percent in conflict-affected areas.

The World Health Organization’s Representative in Sudan Dr Abdinasir Abubakar expressed appreciation to the Government of Italy for its longstanding support to Sudan’s health sector and continued solidarity with the Sudanese people.

“This contribution will support WHO’s health emergency response and help strengthen the capacity of Sudan’s health authorities to sustain a robust public health system while expanding access to essential health services for conflict-affected communities, including immunization,” he said.

“Reaching children who have missed routine vaccinations is particularly important to protect their health and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Through its collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and health partners, WHO supports Sudan by coordinating the health emergency response, strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response, ensuring the supply of essential medicines and medical supplies, building health workforce capacity and supporting health system recovery.

The contribution from Italy will help sustain these efforts, strengthen the capacity of national health authorities to respond to public health threats and improve access to essential services for people affected by the conflict.