Sudan Secures Additional Funding from Gavi to Strengthen Immunization Efforts Amid Ongoing Crisis

Amid a deepening humanitarian crisis, Sudan has secured an additional $23.4 million in funding from the global vaccine alliance Gavi. The new support, in partnership with UNICEF and Save the Children, aims to bolster the country’s emergency immunization response, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas.

Since the outbreak of civil conflict in April 2023, over 70% of health facilities in affected regions have become non-operational. As a result, more than 3 million children have been left unprotected against vaccine-preventable diseases. An estimated 3.3 million children under the age of five have missed routine vaccinations, significantly increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

The additional funding will be used to reinforce routine immunization programs, expand cold chain infrastructure for safe vaccine storage and transport, and train healthcare workers in early disease detection and emergency response. Save the Children will collaborate with local partners, including the International Medical Corps and Alight Sudan, to extend immunization access in crisis-hit regions such as Kordofan and Darfur.

This latest grant is part of a broader Gavi support package for Sudan, totaling $77.4 million for the 2023–2024 period, with $36 million allocated specifically for vaccine procurement. The initiative seeks to restore and strengthen Sudan’s fragile health system and ensure that children receive life-saving immunizations despite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian challenges.

In the face of widespread displacement, infrastructure collapse, and rising disease risks, this funding represents a critical step toward safeguarding children’s health and reinforcing Sudan’s healthcare resilience.