The National Health Cluster meeting held in Sudan on 8 April 2026 highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. These attacks, which are considered a violation of international norms, have seen a dramatic increase, with over 159 deaths and more than 300 injuries reported as of the end of the first quarter of 2026. The situation has deteriorated significantly compared to the past two years, with healthcare infrastructure suffering extensive damage and destruction.
The Health Cluster, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is actively engaged in addressing these challenges. The Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) is focusing on prioritizing health needs in various localities. This process has expanded from 17+5 localities to 84 priority localities under USG funding, with a third phase currently underway to include all locations in the 2026 Health Needs and Priorities (HNRP) plan. The Health Cluster has already shared initial inputs with the ICCG and is working closely with the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) and partners to ensure health priorities are adequately reflected.
Funding remains a critical issue, with a proposal submitted through OCHA for a US$28 million six-month targeted health response for Kordofans localities. The Health Cluster is also contributing to discussions on the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF), which is currently undergoing consultations with clusters to align funding processes and gather partner feedback on allocation modalities. Despite the ongoing outbreak of cholera being declared over, the Health Cluster, in partnership with the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, has submitted a joint concept note requesting approximately US$50 million for preparedness efforts to prevent costly emergency responses.
The security situation in Blue Nile is of particular concern, with the situation deteriorating and leading to new displacement. A state-level emergency operations room, led by OCHA, has been activated, and a multi-sectoral rapid needs assessment is planned, particularly in the Al Karama gathering site. Health partners are being engaged to contribute to the assessment and ensure that priority health needs are identified and addressed. The Health Cluster is also preparing for an After-Action Review (AAR) of the HNRP 2026 process on 28 April, which will provide an opportunity to capture key lessons learned and best practices.
Source: reliefweb
Original author: Health Cluster
