Hanan Belkhi Reveals Sudan’s Groundbreaking Rollout of the First Child Malaria Vaccine in the Region

## Introduction Malaria has surged in Sudan over recent years, driven by ongoing internal conflict and humanitarian crises that create ideal breeding grounds for the disease‑carrying mosquito. In response, Sudan’s government launched a nationwide vaccination campaign for children, becoming the first nation in the Eastern Mediterranean region to adopt the malaria vaccine. Dr. Hanan Belkhi, WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighted how displacement and conflict amplify disease spread, and she also discussed the ramifications of the United States’ funding withdrawal on WHO’s operations. This article examines these bold steps, their implications for Sudan’s health landscape, and the broader regional outlook.

## Background on Malaria’s Rise in War‑Torn Sudan Malaria remains a leading health threat in Sudan, with case numbers climbing each rainy season as conflict destroys health infrastructure and hampers preventive services. Massive displacement has forced millions into poorly equipped camps, providing stagnant water that serves as ideal mosquito breeding sites. WHO reports indicate that deteriorating humanitarian conditions exacerbate disease transmission and complicate control efforts. Hospital destruction and limited drug access have further driven mortality, especially among children under five, who are the most vulnerable. Introducing a malaria vaccine now represents a critical intervention to lower disease burden and provide lasting protection for children repeatedly exposed to infection.

## Sudan’s Child Malaria Vaccination Initiative: What It Means The Sudanese government, led by Prime Minister Kamal Idris, announced a national rollout of the WHO‑approved malaria vaccine for children. This marks the first such program in the Eastern Mediterranean, and evidence from African pilot studies shows the vaccine can significantly reduce malaria cases when administered in a full schedule to the target age group. Children will receive multiple doses according to a carefully designed timetable aimed at building herd immunity and curbing transmission. The vaccination effort will be complemented by traditional preventive measures such as insecticide‑treated nets, creating a synergistic approach. Economically, the vaccine is expected to cut treatment costs and alleviate pressure on health facilities already strained by conflict, allowing resources to be redirected to other essential services.

## Impact of the United States’ Funding Withdrawal on WHO The United States’ decision to halt both voluntary and core contributions to WHO has created a noticeable gap in the organization’s budget, particularly for programs operating in conflict‑affected regions. Dr. Belkhi emphasized that while WHO will continue its mandate, it must now prioritize and seek alternative financing, notably from Gulf states and other member countries. The funding shortfall has forced a re‑evaluation of some preventive activities, underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation and local resource mobilization to sustain vaccination campaigns. Despite the challenges, WHO remains optimistic that increased contributions from other donors will offset the loss and preserve critical health initiatives across the region.

## Ongoing Polio Eradication Challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean While Sudan focuses on malaria, the Eastern Mediterranean still grapples with polio eradication. WHO data indicate that achieving a coverage rate between 92% and 95% of children under ten is essential to halt virus transmission. However, protracted conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan hinder access to vulnerable populations, causing vaccination gaps. The experience shows that vaccine delivery alone is insufficient; robust health infrastructure, community engagement, and secure supply chains are equally vital. Dr. Belkhi calls for intensified regional collaboration and partnerships with NGOs to reach every child, regardless of security constraints, ensuring that the polio endgame remains within reach.

## Future Outlook: Gulf Support and Climate Change Implications for Public Health Experts project that financial assistance from Gulf countries will become a cornerstone for sustaining public‑health programs in the Eastern Mediterranean. This support can expand vaccination reach, rebuild damaged health facilities, and strengthen surveillance systems. Simultaneously, climate change poses a looming threat by lengthening mosquito breeding seasons and altering rainfall patterns, potentially widening malaria’s geographic spread. Integrating climate‑adaptation strategies with vaccination and vector‑control measures is therefore crucial for long‑term disease mitigation. Regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, and coordinated investment will be key to building a resilient health system capable of confronting both existing and emerging threats.