1,000 days of war: The role of the diaspora in supporting Sudan’s health system resilience
Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan in April 2023, the health system has experienced widespread destruction and disruption. An estimated 70% of health facilities are non-functional, alongside mass displacement of health workers and the destruction of critical national health infrastructure. These impacts, combined with the displacement of approximately 11 million people, recurrent cholera and dengue outbreaks, seasonal flooding, and deepening poverty, have placed unprecedented strain on both the health system and communities, contributing to what is now the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Sudanese diaspora communities have emerged as key actors, supporting families, community grassroot groups and the health system. Despite their growing prominence, diaspora contributions to the resilience of Sudan’s health system resilience remain under-examined.
This policy brief draws on a ReBUILD case study conducted in Sudan. It provides the first analysis of Sudanese diaspora contributions to the resilience of Sudan’s health system, diaspora engagement pathways and factors that affect it. This evidence is critical to inform Sudan’s policymakers, diaspora, and other stakeholders to better engage, coordinate, and channel diaspora contributions to strengthen the resilience of Sudan’s health system.
Key recommendations include:
- Transition from ad hoc engagement to facilitative governance mechanisms
- Strengthen data and information on diaspora
- Adopt a differentiated approach to diaspora engagement, in light of the political climate
- Ensure sustainability through facilitative governance and integration
Further information
There’s more on this study – The role of the diaspora in supporting health system resilience in fragile and shock-prone settings – here, including papers and other briefs .