Geneva – Sudan Now
Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim met his Chadian counterpart Abdelmadjid Abderahim on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva to discuss strengthening health cooperation and coordination between the two countries, according to Sudan’s state news agency SUNA.
The talks focused on improving cross-border health services, facilitating the flow of medicines and medical supplies, and supporting health response efforts for Sudanese refugees in Chad, as well as delivering basic healthcare, vaccinations and epidemic control services to western Sudan.
The meeting comes as Sudan’s health sector continues to face major challenges following more than two years of war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has disrupted medical services and displaced millions inside and outside the country.
Ibrahim said Sudan viewed healthcare as “a bridge for peace” and stressed the importance of continued coordination between Sudan and Chad in health and humanitarian fields.
He said the Sudanese health ministry had worked to ensure the delivery of vaccines and medical services to different parts of the country, including areas affected by fighting. He added that access to healthcare and medicines remained a top government priority.
The Sudanese minister also called for stronger communication channels and the development of joint supply systems to support healthcare infrastructure in both countries.
During the meeting, Ibrahim referred to cooperation arrangements involving the Sudanese American Physicians Association, known as SAPA, which he said coordinated with Sudanese authorities and the Chadian side to support humanitarian and medical operations.
For his part, Chadian Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim said his country was ready to advance coordination mechanisms aimed at facilitating humanitarian and health work between the two countries. He also praised organizations working to support Sudanese refugees in Chad.
The meeting concluded with what the Sudanese side described as a framework agreement to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two health ministries, including support for medical supplies and cross-border health services.
