Khartoum: Federal Minister of Health Professor Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim affirmed his ministry's commitment to emergency preparedness and epidemic control both at the federal and state levels. Speaking at the closing session of the annual meeting for State Directors of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control, held on Thursday at the Canon Hotel in Khartoum under the slogan 'Towards Strengthening Health Security in Sudan', he pledged to implement the meeting's recommendations and to work diligently with partners and states in the field of emergency response and epidemic control. The session was attended by several state health ministers, directorate directors from the federal ministry, and state directors of emergency and epidemic management.
According to Sudan News Agency, the Federal Minister of Health praised the role played by emergency management directorates at both federal and state levels during the conflict, noting the sacrifices of several martyrs, and highlighted that his ministry was the first to reach Kadugli after the siege was lifted. He also announced the organization of a malaria eradication conference under the patronage of the Prime Minister, commending the support of partner organizations in strengthening the country's health system.
He reaffirmed his ministry's support, through the General Directorate of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control, for initiatives that enable it to play a pivotal role in public health, enhancing surveillance and response capacity, calling for collective efforts to combat epidemics.
Speaking on behalf of the state health ministers, State Minister of Health for Gezira State Dr. Osama Abdul-Rahman emphasized the states' commitment to fulfilling the requirements of emergency directorates and enabling them to perform their duties, while noting the impact of the conflict on the health sector across all states due to population displacement. He stressed the importance of maintaining routine operations and strong coordination between federal and state authorities.
Director of the General Directorate of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control at the Federal Ministry of Health Dr. Montasir Mohamed Othman stated that his directorate will intensify efforts in emergency services, epidemic surveillance and response, and the activation of strategic partnerships with relevant organizations.
The closing session also featured representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Kuwait Patient Aid Fund, who reaffirmed their bodies' support for Sudan's health system.