Khartoum:A delegation from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) concluded a five-day official visit to Sudan, meeting with leaders from the Ministry of Health, including Minister Professor Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim and Undersecretary Dr. Ali Babiker Sayed Ahmed. The meetings took place at the National Medical Supplies Fund Hall in Khartoum and included directors of general departments and units affiliated with the Ministry, as well as the country director of the Sudanese American Physicians Association.
According to Sudan News Agency, the visit involved field tours of various health institutions, such as the Public Health Laboratory 'ESTAC', the cold chain, the University of Health Sciences, and medical supplies facilities. During these tours, the delegation assessed the current situation, identified urgent needs, and reviewed the ministry's achievements and strategic plans through 2030.
Both parties highlighted the importance of enhancing regional health cooperation and exchanging expertise to improve epidemic response capabilities. Minister Ibrahim expressed gratitude for the support from Africa CDC and emphasized aligning this support with the ministry's priorities. The delegation confirmed Africa CDC's commitment to providing technical and logistical support to strengthen Sudan's national health system readiness.
Dr. Ali Babiker Sayed Ahmed commended the Africa CDC's visit, the first in over four years, as significant during a critical period. He noted that the delegation witnessed the impact of war on health institutions and that the visit resulted in recommendations to bolster the national health system. Sudan has been invited to attend an upcoming meeting in Addis Ababa, which will focus on enhancing health system effectiveness in line with national strategies through 2030, with ongoing collaboration with regional and international partners.
The head of the Africa CDC delegation lauded the efforts of the Sudanese medical staff, known as the "White Army," and recognized Sudanese women for their contributions. He expressed satisfaction with the visit's outcomes, which highlighted the real needs of the health sector and praised the Ministry of Health for advancing health services under challenging conditions.
The parties agreed on practical steps for future cooperation, emphasizing continuous communication, coordination, and support for the health sector, alongside periodic assessments to ensure effective coordination that enhances the quality of health services.