Sudan Imports $274 Million In Medicines As War Strains Health System

Khartoum, August 3, 2026 - Sudan imported more than $274 million worth of medicines in the first half of 2026, while national drug availability rose to more than 70%, health authorities said at a ministry review meeting. The National Fund for Medical Supplies secured a 3-month supply of 40 essential items and purchased 155 billion Sudanese pounds in pharmaceuticals, alongside 11 billion Sudanese pounds in medical equipment.

The purchases come as the war continues to disrupt supply chains, weaken the currency and push medicine prices up by 35%. Domestic pharmaceutical capacity remains badly damaged after many factories were destroyed or halted operations during the conflict that began in April 2023.

Authorities said 13 local factories have resumed operations, while 11 new medical items were recently registered. Health agencies also reported progress in specialized services, including the localization of polio testing, the deployment of three mobile meningitis units and the reactivation of overseas treatment procedures for patients traveling to Turkey.

However, unstable electricity and transport constraints continue to obstruct distribution across several states. For investors and development financiers, the figures underscore Sudan's continuing dependence on imported medicines, while also pointing to potential demand for pharmaceutical manufacturing, cold-chain logistics and health infrastructure if security conditions stabilize.