In response to the protracted humanitarian crisis in Sudan, a strategic partnership between Direct Relief, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and national diabetes institutions—in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and coordinated by the Sudanese Childhood Diabetes Association—has mobilised critical support exceeding USD 8.8 million to safeguard access to essential diabetes care.
Since the outbreak of conflict in 2023, Sudan’s healthcare system has suffered severe disruption, with over 60% of facilities rendered non-functional and essential medicine supply chains critically affected. For people living with diabetes, the collapse of the national power grid has posed an acute threat to insulin availability due to strict cold-chain requirements.
During the crisis, people with diabetes have faced significant challenges in accessing essential care and supplies. Insulin availability was endangered and glucose monitoring supplies became unavailable. Along with displacement, fear and stress, no transportation support and limited healthcare services, these contributed to poor diabetes management.
“In our work with Sudanese refugees in Egypt and affected populations in Sudan, we have observed that managing diabetes during crises is heavily impacted by disrupted routines, limited access to medication, and food insecurity. Even simple interventions such as patient education and consistent follow-up can significantly improve outcomes.” Mona Mirghani, Diabetes Care Organization, Sudan.
Recognising the urgency, the IDF Middle East and North Africa Region has coordinated a humanitarian intervention with Direct Relief to sustain uninterrupted access to life-saving treatment.
The assistance has included:
- Large-scale insulin supplies (multiple formulations)
- 48,000 packs of glucose test strips
- 100,000 packs of lancets
- 948 glucose meters
- 4,360 insulin pens
- Over 38,000 boxes of pen needles
Additionally, 35 solar-powered refrigerators were procured and installed across 25 Sudanese Childhood Diabetes Centers nationwide to reinforce cold-chain capacity and ensure safe insulin storage despite prolonged power outages.
A significant portion of supplies was distributed through the National Medical Supplies Fund to ensure equitable national reach and strengthen the broader public health response.
“In times of conflict, access to insulin is not a privilege — it is a matter of survival. This partnership between Direct Relief, the International Diabetes Federation, and our national associations demonstrates the power of coordinated global solidarity. Together, we have protected thousands of vulnerable children and adults living with diabetes in Sudan.” Prof Mohamed Eltom, Chair, IDF Middle East & North Africa Region.