Sudan Imports Over $274 Million in Medicines as Drug Availability Improves

4 August 2026

A pharmacist discusses the acute shortage of medicines at a drugstore in Khartoum, Sudan, March 20, 2026. AFP photo

August 3, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan imported more than $274 million worth of medicines during the first half of 2026, health authorities said on Monday, as national drug availability rose to over 70%.

The National Fund for Medical Supplies (NFMS) secured a three-month supply of 40 essential items, according to reports presented at a ministry review meeting. The fund purchased 155 billion Sudanese pounds worth of pharmaceuticals alongside 11 billion Sudanese pounds in medical equipment.

Sudan continues to face a severe healthcare crisis, marked by a 35% surge in medicine prices and critical shortages of vital drugs. The ongoing war, which broke out in April 2023, has severely devalued the local currency and destroyed or halted operations at most domestic pharmaceutical factories.

Efforts to rebuild domestic manufacturing are underway, with 13 local factories resuming operations and 11 new medical items recently registered, said National Medicines and Poisons Board Director-General Mohamed Bashir.

Specialized health sectors also reported progress despite operational hurdles. The National Public Health Laboratory localised polio testing and deployed three mobile meningitis units, while the Medical Commission reactivated overseas treatment protocols, facilitating care for patients travelling to Turkey.

Addressing key logistical bottlenecks remains a priority. NFMS Director-General Badr el-Din al-Jazouli noted that despite reliable funding from the Finance Ministry, unstable electricity supplies and transport difficulties continue to hamper distribution efforts across multiple states.