Delivering Healthcare to Underserved Sudanese Communities: A Short-term Medical Mission to Sinkat, Red Sea State, Sudan, 2024

Background: The armed conflict that began in Sudan in April 2023 has disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, with rural and displaced populations disproportionately affected. Mobile medical missions may help bridge gaps in access to essential care in conflict-affected settings. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive analysis of routine data collected during a 3-day mobile medical mission implemented by the Sudanese American Medical Association (SAMA) in Sinkat Locality, Red Sea State, Sudan, from December 26 to 28, 2024. Standardized registration, clinical, laboratory, pharmacy, and patient satisfaction forms were used to capture sociodemographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, laboratory investigations requested, and patientreported satisfaction. Results: A total of 1031 patients received services during the mission; 875 patients were evaluated clinically and included in analyses requiring registration data. Most patients were female (597/875, 68.2%), and 426 of 875 (48.7%) patients were internally displaced. The diagnostic spectrum was broad; the most frequently diagnosed conditions were urinary tract infection and upper respiratory tract infection, followed by hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Overall, 1097 laboratory investigations were requested, most commonly complete blood count (n = 309), urinalysis (n = 229), and blood film for malaria (n = 197). Satisfaction was high: 669/699 (95.6%) reported receiving the care they needed, 657/700 (94.0%) rated the medical team’s treatment as very good, and 700/700 (100%) reported a clear explanation of the treatment plan. Conclusion: This mobile mission addressed substantial primary-care needs in a rural, conflict-affected setting and demonstrated a dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases. Mission-specific epidemiologic data can inform pre-departure preparation, medication procurement, and resource allocation for future humanitarian medical missions.