The devastating impact of conflict in Sudan on mental health services: a rapid review

Abstract

Sudan's healthcare system teeters on the brink of collapse as the country continues to reel from political instability and conflict that escalated in April 2023. The latest outbreak of violence between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces has exacerbated an already fragile healthcare infrastructure. This review provides a narrative synthesis of the existing literature and reports on the current state of mental health services in Sudan. The ongoing conflict has triggered widespread displacement, economic instability, and trauma, which have in turn contributed to increased rates of mental illness. While mental health services were limited even before the conflict, the current crisis has significantly reduced access to care, especially for vulnerable populations. In this review, we highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health interventions and sustained support for healthcare providers under increasingly dangerous conditions.

Keywords: Healthcare infrastructure; Humanitarian assistance; Mental health; Political instability; Sudan crisis.