Sudan's medical sector grapples with impact of Middle East conflict

Editor's note: This series highlights how the Iran war’s spillover is affecting Africa. In this episode, Save the Children warns that Sudan’s clinics could run out of medical supplies within two weeks as Middle East conflict disrupts key shipping routes.

Medical supplies for clinics responding to Sudan's humanitarian crisis could run out in two weeks unless shipments are urgently rerouted, the charity Save the Children has warned.

The disruption is linked to escalating US–Israel–Iran tensions, which have shaken global supply chains, closed airspace, and halted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Some $600,000 worth of essential medicines are currently stranded in ports in Dubai, according to the charity. About 90 government-run clinics across Sudan, serving roughly 400,000 patients, rely on these supplies of medicines, vaccines, and nutritional treatments, with no alternative available within the country.

"The medicines, which include antibiotics, antimalarials, pain and fever medication, and pediatric injectable drugs, normally enter via Port Sudan and travel by road to areas including Darfur," Save the Children Global Supply Chain Director Willem Zuidema explained.

Hospitals on the brink

"The state of hospitals is deplorable," Omer Sharfy, from Save the Children Sudan, said.

"The current situation is even more dire now. Hospitals were already struggling before the war, operating at only 60% of their capacity, and the war has only worsened the situation."

Sharfy added that despite healthcare workers’ dedication, hospitals are in urgent need of rehabilitation, a steady supply of medicines, and training and professional development for staff.

Impact on vulnerable children

The supply shortages are already having devastating effects on Sudan's most vulnerable. Vaccinations for premature babies are unavailable, directly due to disruptions in global supply chains.

"Premature babies need vaccinations, but these are unavailable because of the war in Iran, as there is no way to deliver them to Sudan," said Dr. Ali Aldali from Port Sudan.

He added that children with special needs and those requiring specialized medical care are increasingly at risk.

"There are children who require specific medical care that is currently unavailable because of the war, putting them at risk of losing their lives. These are all threats currently facing children," he said.

Global supply chain strain

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher warned last week that the Middle East conflict is straining humanitarian supply chains far beyond the region, with Africa and Gaza facing pressure. Rising transport costs are further impacting aid budgets, which are already constrained by major donor cuts.

Save the Children noted that container freight rates have surged about 25–30% as some shipping firms reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, thus adding weeks to delivery times.

With alternative supply routes limited and critical medicines delayed, aid organizations face a race against time to prevent a catastrophic collapse of Sudan's fragile healthcare system.