The Cost of Conflict: A Precarious Future for Sudan’s Health Workforce

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Mohammed Seifuldin Younis, a third-year medical student at AlFaisal University, having transferred from Khartoum Medical School after the war in Sudan. He is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

“Dear all, please be notified that in-person classes have been suspended indefinitely.”

This was the first communication from our university on April 15, 2023, following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan. Fortunately, I was spared from the immediate violence, but many of my peers, friends, and family were not as lucky, caught in the chaos that unfolded.

This is not just my story—it is a reality for many. Sudan has over 60 registered medical schools, with a significant concentration in the capital, Khartoum. The war didn’t just halt medical education—it brought all health professions education to a standstill, including nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, and public health.

In the aftermath, the burden fell on both educators and students to find solutions to sustain the education continuum. Stakeholders turned to e-learning and alternative study sites in rural Sudan and abroad. However, the challenges remain immense. Sudan is currently experiencing the world’s largest internally displaced persons (IDP) crisis, and among those displaced are the very students we aim to educate. Many face overwhelming obstacles—economic hardship, security risks, and lack of stable internet access. Even those who relocated abroad struggle, as they remain disconnected from an education that truly reflects their home country’s healthcare realities.

Before the war, an increasing number of graduates were already laying the groundwork for careers abroad. The conflict only accelerated this snowball effect, intensifying the brain drain. This exodus of healthcare providers foreshadows a dire shortage of medical professionals in the critical post-war rebuilding phase, when they will be needed most.

Despite these challenges, potential solutions are in the pipeline. Several conferences and forums  are being planned to address the impact of war on medical education, offering programs the chance to collaborate and learn from each other. In Kigali, a workshop—organized by both governmental and non-governmental organizations—was held to “reimagine the future of healthcare in Sudan.” While it brought together key stakeholders, ensuring greater representation of health professions students in such discussions should have happened to further enrich these efforts. Meanwhile, innovative peer-led educational initiatives have surged, with students organizing workshops and courses to help bridge the widening gap in training.

The reality is clear: substantial resources must be allocated to support the recovery of Sudan’s health professions education. Research is needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions, and a sustainable ecosystem must be created for the future workforce.

The critical question that should haunt policymakers and global health leaders is:

“How can a city as populous as Khartoum, one of Africa’s largest capitals, fail to provide access to safe, socially responsible, and stable medical education?”

About the author

Mohammed Seifuldin Younis is a third-year medical student at AlFaisal University, having transferred from Khartoum Medical School after the war in Sudan. He has been actively involved in community service through various organizations, including IFMSA, the Khartoum Medical Students Association, and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority. Mohammed has contributed to medical missions, health education efforts, and disaster response initiatives. He has also participated in workshops, conferences, and training sessions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and education. His commitment to service remains a central focus in both his academic and professional pursuits.