Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health launched a workshop on Sunday to support preparations for a potential Ebola outbreak, as part of the Regional Pandemic Preparedness Project (PREPARE), organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The initiative aims to strengthen Sudan’s capacity to respond to health emergencies and develop practical plans to address epidemic risks.
The four-day workshop, being held at the Grand Villa Holiday Hotel in Khartoum, is discussing activities proposed for IGAD funding to support Sudan’s Ebola preparedness, alongside efforts to develop early warning systems and laboratories and build the capacity of healthcare personnel.
Federal Undersecretary of Health Dr. Ali Babiker Sidahmed stressed the importance of the project in strengthening the country’s ability to detect and respond to health risks, improve laboratory systems, develop human resources, and enhance health coordination and policies.
He commended IGAD’s efforts in organizing the workshop, noting that regional and international partnerships are a cornerstone of national responses to health challenges. He expressed hope that the discussions would produce a well-developed plan and emphasized the need to secure the financial resources required to implement the proposed activities.
For her part, IGAD representative Rania Hassan called for translating decisions into clear plans that address Sudan’s priorities. She affirmed the organization’s commitment to working with Sudanese institutions and the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement the workshop’s outcomes.
WHO representative Dr. Hala Khudari highlighted the level of coordination with the Federal Ministry of Health and the readiness of medical personnel to respond to Ebola.
Dr. Montaser Mohamed Osman, Director General of the Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control Directorate, said the workshop aims to strengthen Sudan’s preparedness for health emergencies through practical planning and personnel training. Participants include health authorities and partners such as the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the Ministry of Animal Resources.
The workshop is part of broader efforts to strengthen regional epidemic preparedness. However, the statement did not specify the amount of funding allocated to the planned activities or the timeline for their completion.
BH/BH
