The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Government of Sudan, has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect more than 9.4 million animals. The four-month effort, running from October 2025 to January 2026, seeks to safeguard pastoralists and agro-pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on healthy livestock at a time when Sudan is grappling with a devastating food crisis.

The campaign will target highly contagious and deadly transboundary and zoonotic animal diseases such as peste des petits ruminants (PPR), sheep and goat pox (SGP), contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP), African horse sickness (AHS) and anthrax. By focusing on these threats, FAO aims to protect both animals and people who rely on them for food, income and stability.

Livestock plays a critical role in Sudan’s rural economy. Millions of families depend on cattle, sheep, goats and horses for milk, meat and trade. Healthy herds not only secure nutrition and livelihoods but also support Sudan’s position as a leading livestock exporter in the region, generating much-needed foreign exchange. This campaign is expected to provide indirect benefits for consumers of animal protein both in Sudan and in neighbouring Arab and Gulf states, while also supporting livestock service providers.

Hongjie Yang, FAO Representative in Sudan, underscored the importance of this intervention. He stated that protecting animal health is essential for ensuring the availability of milk, meat and income that millions of people rely on. He added that with the support of FAO’s partners, the vaccination campaign would strengthen food security, nutrition and the national economy at a critical time.

Sudan’s humanitarian situation has reached alarming levels. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis confirmed famine in several locations, including Zamzam, Abu Shouk and Al Salam camps in North Darfur, as well as in the Western Nuba Mountains. Around 24.6 million people were projected to face acute food insecurity at IPC Phase 3 or worse between January and May 2025, with at least 638,000 people experiencing catastrophic conditions at IPC Phase 5.

To overcome access barriers caused by conflict and instability, FAO is piloting a cross-border vaccine delivery system through Chad. This marks the first time such an approach has been used in Sudan. Working closely with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and FAO Chad, the initiative aims to reach vulnerable communities in Darfur and West Kordofan who would otherwise remain cut off from vital animal health services.

This large-scale vaccination drive has been made possible through the support of international partners. Donors include the European Union (EU), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), FAO’s Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA), alongside contributions from other supporters.

By protecting animal health, FAO and its partners are working to preserve livelihoods, stabilise the economy and ease the worsening food crisis in Sudan. For millions of families across the country, the success of this campaign will be vital in determining whether they can withstand the challenges ahead.

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