KHARTOUM, June 10, 2026 (SUNA) — A coordination meeting was held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries for the committee tasked with preparing Sudan’s proposal to compete for the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund Grant (Fourth Round).  Relevant national institutions, operating under the “One Health” framework—comprising the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Animal Resources, and the Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources—are preparing an integrated national proposal aimed at enhancing Sudan’s chances of securing the grant. The fund supports countries in strengthening early disease detection, human capacity development, laboratory systems, and emergency response to health threats. The grant is implemented in partnership with international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Preparatory work has been initiated with technical support from these partners, involving relevant ministries and specialized technical working groups, under the guidance of national expert Dr. Ayman Ahmed. The leadership of the Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries, led by Minister Ahmed Al-Tijani Al-Mansouri, the Undersecretary, the Director General of Animal Health and Epidemic Control, and the Director of the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, was briefed on the Sudan One Health Platform, its objectives, and ongoing joint activities between partner ministries, particularly Health and Animal Resources, highlighting strengthened institutional coordination to address shared health challenges.  The meeting also reviewed the grant implementation mechanisms and underscored the importance of coordinated roles and integrated efforts among relevant entities during both the preparation and implementation phases, to ensure optimal outcomes and maximize the use of available funding opportunities. The Minister stressed the importance of aligning the grant objectives with the Ministry’s strategic plans to support the development of the animal resources sector and enhance its capacities in collaboration with national and international partners under the One Health approach.BH/BH