Chronic disease medications accessibility among Sudanese patients during war

Access to medications for chronic diseases is a major component of effective disease management, particularly in conflict-affected areas. The armed conflict ongoing since April 2023 in Sudan has caused destruction to health infrastructures and thus severely disrupted medication supplies. This study aimed to assess effect of war in Sudan on the medication’s accessibility. A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was conducted during the period from July to December 2024. Total of 1000 Sudanese patients in conflict-affected areas were surveyed using a pre coded and pretested structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed for this study in Arabic for easy understanding by the targeted population. Pilot study was done first, and the questionnaire was modified accordingly. All data was summarized in frequency tables. Chi square and binary logistic regression tests were done to assess the association between demographic characteristics of the participants and medications accessibility. p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. More than half of the surveyed participants (59.7%) reported difficulty accessing medications. As a result, many sought alternatives through private healthcare facilities (35.0%) or local pharmacies (51.5%). The most common chronic conditions among respondents were diabetes (48.5%) and hypertension (33.3%). Inaccessibility to medications led to several adverse outcomes, including psychological distress (19.9%), worsening of symptoms (32.0%), increased hospital visits (16.3%), and reduced ability to work (24.8%). Some individuals resorted to traditional or herbal remedies (22.2%) or reduced their medication doses (12.0%) due to the lack of access. A significant association was found between medication inaccessibility and both the duration of displacement and monthly income (p < 0.001). Reported barriers to accessing medications included high costs (34.0%), low income (26.7%), insecurity (42.5%), and displacement-related challenges (29.9%). This study reveals that Sudan’s conflict has severely disrupted access to chronic disease medications due to widespread healthcare collapse, facility closures, and supply chain breakdowns. Both displaced and non-displaced populations face major barriers, worsened by economic hardship and the halt in local drug production. Heavy reliance on herbal remedies reflects medication scarcity. Immediate global intervention is essential to restore care and prevent further health deterioration.