Sudan
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Healthcare facilities in Sudan
The current conflict has severely affected health services and many may be unavailable, including hospitals for British nationals in Khartoum.
Medical facilities in the country are limited and medical evacuation is likely to be necessary for all but the most basic treatments. Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
There is a particular risk to public health in areas of conflict where immunisation coverage is poor.
Emergency medical number
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Emergency services in Sudan have been severely impacted by the conflict and are often unresponsive.
If you need emergency medical treatment you should make your own way to hospital, if you can.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccination recommendations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Sudan guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Malaria outbreak
Malaria cases have increased in Khartoum. Because of the increased risk from malaria, and the impact of the current civil unrest on health services, all travellers in Sudan should take antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.
If you’ve recently left Sudan and develop fever or flu-like symptoms, get urgent medical attention. Tell the doctors you’ve recently left a malarial risk area.
TravelHealthPro has more information on malaria in Sudan.
Cholera outbreak
Cholera cases have increased in Sudan, and made worse by the impact of the conflict on health services. Take care with personal, food and water hygiene.
TravelHealthPro recommends an oral vaccine for cholera if your activities or medical history put you at increased risk.
Yellow fever
There is a risk of yellow fever in some parts of Sudan. TravelHealthPro recommends a yellow fever vaccination for some travellers.
Other health risks
There are regular outbreaks of chikungunya, dengue, measles and other diseases in Sudan, particularly in refugee camps. There is a lack of clean water and the inability to remove dead bodies means Sudan is at high risk from various diseases.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.