Sudan’s health system is under severe strain after an almost two‑year civil war. The World Health Organization has warned of shortages of medical supplies, a loss of doctors, and damaged or looted facilities. Al‑Moghirah Al‑Amin Gad Al‑Sayed, director of the department of therapeutic medicine at the Federal Ministry of Health, says the country is turning to artificial intelligence to help provide care where traditional services no longer reach.
Al‑Sayed gave the example of using AI to examine an x‑ray when no doctor is available. The system can match a patient’s image against thousands of stored images and suggest a diagnosis. He said many studies show high diagnostic accuracy because AI systems are informed by large datasets and human clinical experience.
He warned that migration and attacks have reduced staff, and that 50 medical staff were killed in attacks on health centres by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The lack of staff and supplies is also increasing antimicrobial resistance because people use antibiotics indiscriminately. Al‑Sayed said AI can help fill gaps, but more health workers, medicines and devices are urgently needed, and new ways to deliver vaccinations should be used in broken areas.
Difficult words
- shortage — not enough of something neededshortages
- loot — take goods illegally during conflictlooted
- artificial intelligence — computer systems that perform intelligent tasks
- diagnosis — identifying a disease or medical problem
- dataset — collection of related information or datadatasets
- migration — movement of people from one place
- antimicrobial resistance — bacteria becoming less affected by medicines
- indiscriminately — without careful choice or proper control
- vaccination — a medicine given to prevent a diseasevaccinations
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think artificial intelligence can safely help diagnose patients where there are no doctors? Why or why not?
- What practical steps could help deliver vaccinations in broken or unsafe areas?
- How can communities reduce the careless use of antibiotics to slow antimicrobial resistance?
Related articles
How civil society adapts to AI and surveillance
In April 2026 Global Voices and IRIS published ten case studies from the Global Majority showing how civil society groups respond to AI and algorithmic platforms. Responses include co‑opting, countering and innovating, with local and cross‑border strategies.
Many pesticides used in Latin America are banned in the EU
A study found that many active pesticide ingredients allowed on major crops in eight Latin American countries are banned or not authorised in the EU. The researchers examined public approval records up to December 2020 and warn of health risks.
New law sets marriage age at 18, but child marriage continues in South Punjab
In May 2025 Pakistan made the legal marriage age 18 for everyone. Child marriage still happens in South Punjab, as seen in Behal, where a 14-year-old girl named Zunaira was arranged to marry a much older man.
Study finds many “clean” products for textured hair still risky
A new study examined 150 hair products labeled “Target Clean” from a Target store in South Los Angeles. Researchers compared ingredient lists with the EWG database and found many products still pose moderate health hazards.