Geneva, May 22, 2026 (SUNA) – Minister of Health Prof. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim met Friday with the Acting Deputy Executive Director for Programmes at the United Nations Population Fund, Mr. Björn Smith, and the Director of the Programmes Division, Ms. Julia, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, in the presence of Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mission in Geneva and members of the Federal Ministry of Health delegation. The meeting discussed cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Health and UNFPA in maternal, child, and reproductive health, sexual and reproductive health, midwifery support, provision of essential health supplies, and response to the needs of women and girls affected by the war. The minister expressed appreciation for UNFPA’s continued support since the early days of the crisis, stressing that women’s and children’s health remains a top priority in the national health response plan, alongside maternal and newborn health supplies, midwifery support, and continuity of services. He noted that Sudan is gradually transitioning from emergency humanitarian response to early recovery and rebuilding of the health system, particularly with the return of state institutions to the capital and the return of large numbers of citizens to their areas. He emphasized the importance of supporting midwives as a cornerstone in reducing maternal and newborn mortality and ensuring safe deliveries, noting that Sudan has a wide base of qualified midwives trained through the University of Health Sciences and its branches across the states. The meeting also addressed the development of midwifery training curricula, strengthening maternal and newborn mortality surveillance, supporting supply chains and cold chain systems, and expanding psychosocial and health services for survivors of gender-based violence. UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to continue partnership with Sudan, supporting services for displaced persons and returnees, and strengthening sexual and reproductive health services. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue coordination to enhance maternal and child health services, midwifery programmes, supply systems, mortality surveillance, and care for survivors of violence.BH/BH