AfDB and WHO Partner to Revitalize Sudan’s Healthcare System with $3-Year, $SHEIP Investment
Table of Contents
A collaborative effort between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) promises a significant boost to Sudan’s struggling healthcare infrastructure. On November 3, 2025, the organizations formalized a three-year funding agreement for the Sudan Health Emergency and Infrastructure Project (SHEIP), aiming to restore access to quality healthcare for millions impacted by ongoing conflict and instability.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Crisis
Sudan’s healthcare system has been decimated by a two-and-a-half-year conflict, leaving a vast majority of facilities either partially or completely non-functional. Recent reports from the health resources and services availability monitoring system (HeRAMS) paint a stark picture: only 48% of health facilities are fully operational, with 12% functioning at a limited capacity and a staggering 40% entirely out of service. This collapse in infrastructure has severely restricted access to essential medical care for the Sudanese population.
SHEIP: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Recovery
The SHEIP project is designed to address these challenges through a comprehensive strategy focused on both immediate emergency response and long-term system strengthening. The initiative will prioritize improving access to essential healthcare services, bolstering emergency preparedness, and building resilient health systems capable of serving communities in need.
Specifically, the WHO will focus on restoring key services, strengthening its health emergency response capabilities, and facilitating early recovery and resilience within the health sector. This will involve the rehabilitation of targeted health facilities and the installation of vital medical equipment. Primary healthcare facilities will be equipped to deliver a minimum package of conflict-sensitive health and nutrition services, supported by the provision of essential supplies and targeted capacity-building programs. Quality of care will be enhanced through ongoing training, performance-based incentives, and robust infection prevention and control measures, including effective waste management protocols.
Targeted Support for Vulnerable Populations
“This project is about reaching the people who need help the most,” stated a senior health analyst with the African Development Bank Group, emphasizing the project’s focus on regions hardest hit by the conflict. Efforts will be concentrated in areas such as White Nile, Kordofan, Darfur, and parts of Khartoum, aiming to restore essential health services for communities that have endured prolonged hardship.
The project is expected to directly benefit at least 6 million Sudanese citizens, including 3 million women and 1.2 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), providing them with access to a comprehensive package of quality essential healthcare and restoring their fundamental right to health.
A Partnership Built on Expertise and Commitment
The collaboration between the AfDB and WHO leverages the strengths of both organizations. According to a representative from the WHO, “With the return of stability in parts of Sudan it is time to implement response and recovery side by side and we stand committed to do that with the support of our partner, the African Development Bank.”
The AfDB echoed this sentiment, with a director general from the East Africa Region noting that the WHO’s proven track record in managing complex health emergencies provides confidence that the project will be implemented effectively, supporting both early recovery and long-term resilience.
Looking Ahead
The SHEIP project represents a critical investment in the future of Sudan’s healthcare system. By addressing immediate needs while simultaneously building a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, this partnership offers a pathway towards restoring health and dignity to millions of Sudanese citizens.
About the WHO: Founded in 1948, the WHO is the United Nations agency dedicated to connecting nations, partners, and people to promote health, ensure global safety, and serve the vulnerable, striving for the highest level of health for everyone, everywhere. For inquiries, contact: [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it](mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it).
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s leading development finance institution, comprising the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Operating in 34 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB is committed to driving economic development and social progress across its 54 regional member states. Contact: Communication and External Relations Department, [This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it](mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it).
Worth a look
- Innovative Youth Mental Health Model: Boosting Care and Cutting Costs (newsy-today.com)
