The Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF, launch digital innovations to strengthen health services in Sudan

PORT SUDAN, 11 September 2025 –The Federal Ministry of Health, with support from UNICEF and partners, today launched three transformative digital health applications to improve access to essential services for women and children. These tools are being deployed across over 400 health facilities in Sudan, and they will support more than 3,000 health workers to target services to children in need. Once fully scaled, the initiative is expected to reach nearly 500,000 children, marking a critical step toward revitalizing Sudan’s health system and restoring hope for its most vulnerable populations. 

“We welcome this partnership and the deployment of these technologies. They are essential to strengthening our health system, supporting our frontline workers, and ensuring that no child is left behind,” said Dr Heitham M Awadalla, Federal Minister of Health. 

Sudan’s health system is under immense strain. The majority of the hospitals and health centres in conflict-affected areas have been damaged, destroyed, or repurposed. Basic services, including routine immunizations, maternal care, and treatment for common illnesses, have been severely disrupted. Newborns, children, and mothers are often cut off from basic and essential care, including life-saving medicines and supplies. The risk of disease and malnutrition soars, especially in areas where access to clean water and nutritious food is limited.  

With the ongoing rainy season, Sudan is bracing for a surge in cholera, dengue and Chikungunya cases. Flooding and poor sanitation conditions in many areas make it difficult to contain outbreaks, especially where access to clean water and functioning health facilities is limited. These seasonal health threats place additional pressure on an already overstretched system and heighten the vulnerability of children and families. These conditions demand urgent, innovative solutions. 

“These digital innovations are not just tools, they are lifelines. In a country where access to healthcare has been shattered, they offer a pathway to rebuild services and reach the children and families who need us the most. I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Health for its commitment to delivering solutions that put children and mothers first,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan. 

The implementation of three digital health applications offers scalable and secure tools to improve children's health outcomes: 

• Care Connect is a professional communication platform that strengthens coordination between healthcare workers and the Ministry of Health leadership. It facilitates direct messaging, group discussions, and structured reporting, allowing frontline staff to escalate issues, share updates, and receive guidance instantly. By streamlining communication workflows, it strengthens governance, boosts workforce engagement, and improves decision-making.   
   
• IConnect is a secure telehealth application offering voice, video, and text consultations, along with medication and lab test requests supported by electronic medical records. It removes physical barriers to healthcare access, enabling early diagnosis and treatment, especially for women and children in remote or underserved areas. In a context where nearly a third of health facilities are non-functional, IConnect helps restore trust and confidence in healthcare provision. 
   
• ZAMW is an AI-powered mobile application that supports continuous education for healthcare providers through interactive learning tools such as video lessons, quizzes, and educational games. It enables regular upskilling aligned with evolving treatment guidelines, ensuring frontline staff are well-equipped to respond to health needs. ZAMW’s flexible learning model allows health workers to study while continuing to serve their communities. 

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Notes for editors  

These digital innovations are being deployed as part of the Sudan Health Assistance Response to Emergencies (SHARE) Project, a World Bank-funded initiative implemented by UNICEF, World Health Organization and other partners in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. SHARE aims to strengthen the delivery of essential primary health care services, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and enhance the resilience of the health system in areas affected by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship.