Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply
Abstract Background Armed conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has led to the widespread disruption of health care services, the destruction of public and private health care infrastructure nationwide, and the targeting of health care personnel. This study examines the impact of the conflict on a less...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Conflict and Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-025-00667-z |
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| author | Aly Verjee Thouiba Hashim Galad Ruoh-Yeng Chang |
| author_facet | Aly Verjee Thouiba Hashim Galad Ruoh-Yeng Chang |
| author_sort | Aly Verjee |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Armed conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has led to the widespread disruption of health care services, the destruction of public and private health care infrastructure nationwide, and the targeting of health care personnel. This study examines the impact of the conflict on a less publicized sector of Sudan’s health system: the national pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain. Methods Research interviews were conducted with representatives of 4 companies engaged in pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or supply in Sudan, in addition to a review of primary information from medical regulators and industry associations. Based on these interviews, 3 case studies are presented; insights from the fourth interview inform the study overall. Results All 4 companies reported significant impacts on their operations, as well as on other companies in the pharmaceutical sector. Domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing has effectively come to a halt, leading to the non-availability of certain drugs in parts of the country. Manufacturers have shifted course to focus on imports, but heavy losses of domestically stored inventory and an inability to distribute medicines to large parts of the country have had a significant impact on pharmaceutical supply to retail pharmacies, public and private sector health facilities, and the National Medical Supplies Fund (NMSF). Conclusions Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has been devasted. Although less visible than hospitals and medical personnel, the effects on the pharmaceutical sector are consequential for Sudan’s health sector, particularly for chronic conditions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-85c8d7d82cdd4fa8afb36506780ddd57 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1752-1505 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Conflict and Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-85c8d7d82cdd4fa8afb36506780ddd572025-08-20T01:49:48ZengBMCConflict and Health1752-15052025-05-011911610.1186/s13031-025-00667-zHealth care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supplyAly Verjee0Thouiba Hashim GaladRuoh-Yeng Chang1University of GothenburgUniversity of British ColumbiaAbstract Background Armed conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has led to the widespread disruption of health care services, the destruction of public and private health care infrastructure nationwide, and the targeting of health care personnel. This study examines the impact of the conflict on a less publicized sector of Sudan’s health system: the national pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain. Methods Research interviews were conducted with representatives of 4 companies engaged in pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or supply in Sudan, in addition to a review of primary information from medical regulators and industry associations. Based on these interviews, 3 case studies are presented; insights from the fourth interview inform the study overall. Results All 4 companies reported significant impacts on their operations, as well as on other companies in the pharmaceutical sector. Domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing has effectively come to a halt, leading to the non-availability of certain drugs in parts of the country. Manufacturers have shifted course to focus on imports, but heavy losses of domestically stored inventory and an inability to distribute medicines to large parts of the country have had a significant impact on pharmaceutical supply to retail pharmacies, public and private sector health facilities, and the National Medical Supplies Fund (NMSF). Conclusions Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry has been devasted. Although less visible than hospitals and medical personnel, the effects on the pharmaceutical sector are consequential for Sudan’s health sector, particularly for chronic conditions.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-025-00667-zSudanConflictPharmaceutical industryEssential medicines |
| spellingShingle | Aly Verjee Thouiba Hashim Galad Ruoh-Yeng Chang Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply Conflict and Health Sudan Conflict Pharmaceutical industry Essential medicines |
| title | Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply |
| title_full | Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply |
| title_fullStr | Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply |
| title_full_unstemmed | Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply |
| title_short | Health care without medicine: the impact of war on Sudan’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply |
| title_sort | health care without medicine the impact of war on sudan s pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply |
| topic | Sudan Conflict Pharmaceutical industry Essential medicines |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13031-025-00667-z |
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