The impact of ongoing armed conflict on Sudan’s healthcare system: narrative review

Abstract

The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which began on April 15, 2023, has severely impacted the nation's health care system, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new public health challenges. Objective: This rapid review aims to assess the impact of this conflict on health services and evaluate the health consequences for Sudan's population. A rapid review protocol guided the search and defined the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Global Health) were searched for relevant articles from April 2023 to November 2024. Articles focusing on the impact of armed conflict on health care services were included. Data extraction and narrative synthesis were used to report the findings. Results: Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria. Key findings include the closure of 70% of healthcare facilities in war-affected states, severe shortages of medical supplies, and significant disruptions in essential health services. This conflict has increased the risk of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues. Violations of humanitarian corridors have impeded aid delivery, and the healthcare financing system is strained by reduced government contributions and rising out-of-pocket expenses. The humanitarian crisis has led to increased displacement, with over six million internally displaced persons and 1.57 million refugees in neighboring countries. The conflict in Sudan has critically undermined the healthcare system, resulting in severe public health challenges. There is an urgent need for coordinated international intervention to strengthen health systems, ensure essential services, and address the root causes of conflict. Sustainable solutions must focus on immediate relief and long-term resilience, leveraging lessons from other conflict-affected regions to support Sudan’s healthcare recovery and reform.