Port Sudan, July 3, 2026 (SUNA) — The Director General and Acting Minister of Health in the Red Sea State, Dr. Ahlam Abdelrasoul, has expressed appreciation for Italian organizations and associations for their support to the health sector through humanitarian projects aimed at developing and rehabilitating health facilities and training medical personnel.  This came during her meeting on Thursday at the Ministry headquarters in Port Sudan with the Ambassador of Italy to Sudan, Michele Tommasi, Deputy Ambassador Simone Corselli, and a delegation from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), including officials from its Rome headquarters and Sudan office, currently visiting the country to assess health sector needs and emergency response requirements. The meeting was attended by senior health officials, including the Director of Therapeutic Medicine and the Ministry’s NGOs coordinator. Dr. Ahlam said the visit reflects the continuation of strong cooperation and Italy’s consistent support for the health sector throughout the conflict, particularly in health assistance and the rehabilitation of medical infrastructure. She also praised the humanitarian stance that reflects the depth of relations between the two peoples. The meeting discussed ways to support the health sector amid current challenges and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation. It reviewed strategic priorities for strengthening the local health system, addressing epidemiological risks in the state, and the need to establish a modern medical city, a specialized referral complex, and dedicated hospitals. The Italian Ambassador and AICS Director reaffirmed continued support and cooperation with Sudan’s health sector, stressing their country’s commitment to sustaining assistance. The delegation is scheduled to visit several AICS-funded projects, including Port Sudan Teaching Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The visit also included the inauguration of Al-Amal School for the Deaf in Port Sudan, funded by the Government of Italy as part of humanitarian education projects implemented in partnership with the Ministries of Health, Education, and Social Development.BH/BH