$11 Billion in Initial Losses to the Health Sector Due to Militia Violations
Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon
Federal Minister of Health Dr Haitham Ibrahim stated that financial losses to Sudan’s health sector had reached $11 billion, constituting 22% of the country’s service sector losses. He clarified that these estimates are based on currently available data, with some areas yet inaccessible, leaving the extent of damage there unknown.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Culture and Information held its second press conference to highlight violations by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the health sector, a critical service in the country. Federal Health Minister and the Minister of Culture and Information spoke at the event.
Dr. Ibrahim reported that the direct fatalities recorded in hospitals amount to 12,000 deaths, representing only 10% of the total killings. Other estimates suggest 33,000 deaths and 150,000 severe injuries.
The minister described maternal deaths as particularly tragic, numbering 870 cases due to the lack of safe childbirth facilities and hospital access. Additionally, 1,121 children under the age of 10 have died.
Preliminary assessments revealed the destruction of 250 hospitals, equivalent to one-third of Sudan’s healthcare facilities. Twenty referral hospitals across various states are no longer operational. Of the country’s 6,000 healthcare institutions, only one-third remain functional. The minister also expressed deep concern for kidney patients, as 50% of dialysis centres—62 in total—are out of service.
He confirmed that 1,000 kidney patients have left the country, while 4,000 have died, along with 164 kidney transplant patients who lost their lives due to irregular access to medication.
Dr Haitham also disclosed that the central supply of medicines, vaccines, and medical consumables had suffered losses amounting to $500 million. In addition, the state of Gezira incurred $20 million in losses, with the overall damage to medical supplies, vehicles, warehouses, and supply chains estimated at $600 million.
The Minister of Health described the situation in Sudan as the largest health and humanitarian disaster in the world, unprecedented in history. He noted that a quarter of the population has been displaced as a result.