Italy grants 3.5 million euros to WHO emergency health response in Sudan

October 3, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The World Health Organization said on Saturday it had received 3.5 million euros ($3.8 million) from Italy to finance emergency healthcare for more than 3 million people in conflict-hit Sudan.

The funding will support the country’s Federal Ministry of Health in controlling disease outbreaks, boosting surveillance, and administering catch-up vaccines to more than 730,000 children who missed routine immunizations, the UN agency said.

The clash between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has crippled health facilities and severely compromised epidemic response, particularly in remote and front-line areas.

WHO Sudan representative Dr Abdinasir Abubakar hosted Italian Ambassador Silvio Mignano and Michele Morana, head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) office, to mark the release of funds.

The agency plans to deliver direct medical aid to 6.6 million people in Sudan this year, out of more than 20 million requiring emergency health interventions.

Public health indicators have continued to decline amid escalating famine risks, with around 19 million people facing severe food shortages nationwide.