Zoonotic disease vulnerability escalates amid Sudan's armed conflict

Historically, the country has had conflict-driven outbreaks of yellow fever and Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever with high case fatality rates reaching up to 57%.3,4 These outbreaks could serve as a harsh reminder of the health consequences related to zoonotic disease outbreaks during war. [...]the destruction of key laboratories and equipment at Sudan's Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) could be a crucial factor contributing to the spread of zoonotic diseases, as the CVRL has played a fundamental role in controlling these diseases. The displacement and mixing of animals and humans are major drivers for disease transmission.1 The conflict displaced millions of livestock and forced them to alter their traditional migration routes in search of new grazing areas, increasing contact between livestock from different areas. [...]according to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, since April 15, 2023, more than 8·1 million people have been displaced—6.3 million people within Sudan and 1.8 million people have fled abroad.5 Most people who were internally displaced took refuge with their relatives, increasing human contact and the associated risk of disease transmission. Furthermore, promoting collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, World Organisation for Animal Health, and WHO is important for getting essential resources, expertise, and training to strengthen the veterinary sectors in all conflict-affected areas.