A newborn receives the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine in Sudan. Photo credit: Ministry of Health, Sudan / Media and Communications Department 13 May 2026, Port Sudan, Sudan – The conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted access to health care, leaving many health facilities damaged, closed or difficult to access. For children, these disruptions increase the risk of missing lifesaving vaccines. In this difficult context, Sudan continues to take steps to strengthen immunization and protect the youngest lives against vaccine-preventable diseases. On 8 March 2026, Sudan began introducing the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine into its routine immunization services, an important step for newborn health. The country aims to reach 1.9 million newborns each year and ensure they receive protection within the first 24 hours of life. The timely dose helps prevent hepatitis B infection early, reducing the risk of chronic infection and serious liver disease later in life. The first phase of the...