IJFNPH · Vol 15, Nos 1/2 · 2025Conceptual

Impact of the War on Health Professions Education in Sudan, Dr Mohamed Agab, Dr Abualaz Abdullah, Dr Hashim Teeso, Dr Walleed Ali, Dr Zolnon Gebril, Dr Tagwa Badawe

Internal Medicine Consultant
University of Kordofan; Consultant Physician in Somaliland
Sudan / Somaliland
Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Kordofan
Director National Health Insurance Fund (West/North Kordofan) and Supervisor Sheikan Medical Insurance Company (Khartoum Sector)
Sudan
Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Sudan
Assistant Professor, Kordofan University
Internal Medicine Specialist, Elobied Teaching Hospital
Sudan
Specialist in Emergency Medicine, University of Kordofan and Founder Sudanese Healthcare Organization, Sudan
Ahalia Hospital, UAE
Academic Cooperative Lecturer, University of Kordofan
Director Kordofan Breast Cancer Campaign
Sudan
Received: 10 May 2025Revised: 29 July 2025Accepted: 30 July 2025Published: 3 August 2025
Purpose

This paper explores the devastating impact of Sudan’s 2023 war on Health Professions Education (HPE), identifying critical challenges and proposing strategies for rebuilding resilient, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aligned medical education systems.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The literature review used case studies (e.g., University of Kordofan), literature reports (WHO, UNESCO), and expert insights. The paper also analyses damage to infrastructure, human resource loss, curriculum disruption, and psychological trauma.

Findings

The war damaged 60% of medical facilities, displaced the majority of educators and led to widespread curriculum breakdowns, significantly undermining the clinical competency of graduates. Most students and faculty endured severe psychological distress as a result of the conflict.

Original/Value of the Paper

The paper proposes a post-conflict HPE framework that integrates SDGs, gender-inclusive curricula, diaspora-led mentorship, digital integration and crisis-responsive education models.

Research Limitations/Implications

Findings are limited by conflict-related data gaps and reliance on localised case studies.

Practical Implications

Recommendations include building public-private partnerships, expanding digital learning, supporting mental health, and engaging diaspora professionals to rebuild capacity.

Keywords
Health Professions Education (HPE)Sudan 2023 WarPost-Conflict ReconstructionHealthcare Workforce DisplacementSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Citation

Agab, M. A., Abdullah, A. H. I., Teeso, H. G. I., Ali, W. H. M., Gebril, Z. M. and Badawe, T. S. I. (2025): Impact of the War on Health Professions Education in Sudan. International Journal of Food, Nutrition and Public Health (IJFNPH), Vol.15, No.1-2, pp. 89-102.