Impact of the war on health professions education in Sudan, Dr Mohamed Agab, Dr Zolnon Gebril

Dr Mohamed Ahmed Agab and Dr Zolnon Gebril
University of Kordofan
Sudan 

Purpose: This chapter explores the devastating impact of Sudan’s 2023 war on Health Professions Education, identifying critical challenges and proposing strategies for rebuilding resilient, SDG-aligned medical education systems.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Using case studies (e.g., University of Kordofan), institutional reports (WHO, UNESCO, MoH), and expert insights, the chapter analyzes 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.

Originality/value: The chapter proposes a post-conflict HPE framework: integrating SDGs, gender-inclusive curricula, diaspora-led mentorship, digital integration and crisis-responsive education models.

Research Limitations: Findings are limited by conflict-related data gaps and reliance on localized 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 War, Post-conflict Reconstruction, Healthcare Workforce Displacement, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).