I have just concluded a visit to Sudan, where I spent 3 days travelling through 3 states — Khartoum, Gadarif, and Gezira — meeting with community leaders, health officials at the federal and state levels, health care workers, health partners and other stakeholders working together to improve the health and well-being of all people in Sudan.

The challenges facing Sudan are massive and complex. I saw firsthand the struggles facing communities, health workers and officials, as well as WHO staff and health partners WHO is working within a context of limited resources and a challenging economic and political situation.

In a refugee camp in Gadarif state, I met Ethiopian families who, despite living in safety and away from conflict, are exposed to harsh elements and disease outbreaks such as malaria.

I met with communities living in flood-affected areas in Gezira state and saw reservoirs of stagnant water that create a breeding ground for water- and vector-borne diseases.