Sudan's Children at Risk as Vaccination Rates Plummet Amid Conflict

In Sudan, a country embroiled in civil strife, the health of children has become increasingly precarious as vaccination rates have dramatically fallen. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccination coverage for routine immunizations among children under five has plummeted from over 90% in 2022 to a staggering 48% in 2025, marking the lowest rate globally (WHO, 2025). This decline is attributed to the ongoing civil war, which has severely disrupted healthcare services and displaced millions of families.

The civil war, which erupted in 2023, has created what the International Rescue Committee describes as “the biggest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.” With tens of thousands killed and millions displaced, access to essential health services has been compromised (International Rescue Committee, 2025). Dr. Tedbabe Degefie Hailegebriel, Chief of Health for UNICEF Sudan, emphasized that the situation in Sudan is unique compared to other regions facing vaccine hesitancy. "This plummeting coverage is driven entirely by the war," she stated, underscoring the direct impact of conflict on healthcare access (UNICEF Sudan, 2025).

The WHO's assessment indicates that the number of children in Sudan who did not receive a single vaccine dose reached approximately 838,000 in 2024, positioning Sudan behind only Nigeria and India in terms of unvaccinated children (WHO, 2025). Missing vaccinations such as the DTP-1 jab, a critical indicator of healthcare access, means that affected children are cut off from any contact with health services, as noted by Dr. Hailegebriel.

The ramifications of this decline in vaccination are dire. Diseases preventable through vaccination, like measles, pose an increasing threat to unvaccinated children. Survivors of such diseases often face long-term health complications, severely limiting their future potential (UNICEF Sudan, 2025). The WHO warns that children living in conflict zones are three times more likely to be unvaccinated than those in stable nations, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention (WHO, 2025).

Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of the WHO’s Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals Department, expressed concern about the global trend of declining immunization rates, stating, "Even the smallest drops in immunization coverage can have devastating consequences" (WHO, 2025). She further noted that humanitarian efforts have managed to boost vaccination rates in the initial half of the year, but funding shortages threaten these gains.

UNICEF is working to restore essential vaccine distribution systems, including rebuilding the cold chain necessary for vaccine efficacy. Nevertheless, ongoing conflict hampers these efforts, as access remains limited in areas experiencing active fighting (UNICEF Sudan, 2025). Abdallah Idriss Abugarda, leader of the Darfur Diaspora Association in the UK, remarked that many families prioritize immediate needs such as food and treatment for common ailments over vaccinations, indicating a shift in public health priorities amid crisis (Darfur Diaspora Association, 2025).

As the situation in Sudan deteriorates, there is a pressing need for renewed international attention and support. Without immediate action to stabilize the healthcare system and ensure vaccination access, the future of Sudan’s children remains uncertain. The overarching hope is that peace will be restored, allowing for a conducive environment where children can receive the healthcare they need to thrive, as emphasized by Dr. Hailegebriel. The international community must respond swiftly to prevent further loss of life and ensure that children have access to necessary vaccinations, thereby safeguarding their future in a country beset by turmoil.