International Concerns Over Suspension of Reproductive Health Services in 15 Sudanese States

International organizations specializing in health have expressed deep concern over the suspension of sexual and reproductive health services in 15 out of 18 Sudanese states due to funding shortages.

According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Cluster Group, “the provision of sexual and reproductive health services in 15 states is at risk due to funding cuts.”

The report revealed that this situation affects 1.2 million women of reproductive age, 120,000 pregnant women, and 24,000 survivors of sexual violence. It also noted that reduced funding has led to the suspension of mobile clinics and the closure of essential healthcare facilities, including those in hard-to-reach areas and refugee-hosting locations such as the Tunaydbah camp in Gedaref.

The report confirmed that the funding freeze continues to impact Health Cluster partners and the delivery of healthcare services, directly affecting 13 partners and 1.5 million people, with an additional 5 million indirectly affected due to the gradual withdrawal of support from 335 health facilities.

It pointed out that the most affected facilities are located in IDP camps and displacement gathering sites, putting the lives of thousands at risk due to a severe shortage of medical personnel and essential medicines. Additionally, over 200 health facilities have been shut down in El Fasher.

Healthcare facilities and hospitals in El Fasher, located in North Darfur State, have suffered destruction and shelling, while others have closed due to medicine shortages and insecurity caused by recurring clashes that have continued for over a year.