On Monday, the Federal Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have deployed vaccines to war-torn people in Sudan, making it the first country in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to benefit.
Malaria remains the leading cause of death among children in Sudan, which has the highest malaria rates in the region. The disease claimed about 7,900 lives in Sudan in 2023although the actual number may be higher due to ongoing conflict between rival armies.
The launch follows an initial shipment of 186,000 doses to Sudan in October and the campaign will begin across 15 health facilities in Gedaref and Blue Nile states, benefiting more than 148,000 children under 12 months old. In 2025 and 2026, the vaccine will be introduced in another 129 localities.
Life-saving tool
“Female The opportunity to include vaccines in the national vaccination program is huge,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Sudan.
“This vaccine is an important new tool in our toolkit to fight childhood mortality,” he continued. The conflict in Sudan has made access to health care difficult.
Something unprecedented 11 million people There have been internal evacuations and more than 70% of hospitals in conflict zones are currently not functioning. While vaccination rates had reached 85% before the war, they have now plummeted to around 50%.
Low vaccination rates and frequent disease outbreaks, such as cholera, malaria, measles and polio, are exposing millions of unvaccinated children to fatal but preventable diseases.
Strategic plan
The Federal Ministry of Health has developed extensive plans to ensure successful implementation, including training of health workers, engaging communities and strengthening cold chain capacity to protect quality Vaccine.
Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan added that “WHO continue to support comprehensive malaria interventions that integrate vaccines with other prevention measures,” emphasizing a multifaceted approach.
Anne Cronin, Senior Country Director for Sudan at Gavi said: “The introduction of the malaria vaccine not only represents an important step forward in saving the lives of countless children, but also symbolizes hope. hope for a healthier future amid adversity.”
