PORT SUDAN, Sudan (BG) — The World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have signed an $82 million agreement to improve access to critical health services for more than 8 million vulnerable people across Sudan and strengthen the country’s health system.

More than 70% of hospitals and health facilities in conflict-affected areas in Sudan are non-operational, according to a statement by WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean on Monday.

The healthcare facilities have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict or lack supplies.

Frontline workers, including nurses, doctors, and other essential staff, have not been paid in months.

Security concerns and lack of access have hindered the delivery of vaccine supplies and routine immunization activities, the WHO said.

The Sudan Health Assistance and Response in Emergencies (SHARE) project exemplifies WHO’s commitment to ensuring that communities in Sudan have access to vital health services, especially in times of crisis. By investing in preparedness and resilience, we are paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable health system,” said WHO Representative in Sudan Dr Shible Sahbani, emphasizing the significance of the project.

“In Sudan, the systems providing vulnerable children and families with essential social services are on the brink of a collapse,” said UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett.

“By working shoulder to shoulder, we can invest in rebuilding them and provide lifesaving health care and nutrition services to children who desperately need them amid the ongoing conflict,” Yett added.

With support from the World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, and partners on the ground will work together to address urgent health needs while laying the groundwork for long-term system improvements.

They will also support the delivery of health and nutrition services through community platforms and help survivors of gender-based violence through first-line health care, including referrals to specialists.

According to the statement, partners will also invest in enhancing disease surveillance systems, equipping emergency operations centers, and training rapid response teams to strengthen health system preparedness and emergency response in vulnerable communities.